Arsenal confirm £60m Martinelli transfer as star exits in record deal

Gabriel Martinelli has been confirmed as an Al-Hilal player following the conclusion of his £60million transfer from Arsenal.

The Brazilian winger, 25, departs the Emirates for a club-record transfer fee following the Premier League champions' decision to refresh their attack in the transfer window. The £60m fee far eclipses the previous record for an Arsenal sale, which was set by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's £35m switch to Liverpool back in 2017.

Martinelli's future has been in doubt for months with speculation linking Arsenal with some supremely talented and expensive left wing options such as Morgan Rogers and Vinicius Junior.

But with the Gunners failing to acquire either player, or an alternative in the final days of the transfer window, Christos Tzolis is the only new attacker they have added to their ranks.

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Martinelli turned down a move to Galatasaray last month and was left out of the team for both of Arsenal's Premier League games so far this term.

He departs Arsenal after making 53 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring 11 goals.

The Gunners paid tribute to Martinelli's contributions in a statement confirming the transfer, which read: "Gabriel Martinelli has joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal on a permanent transfer.

"Gabi joined us from Brazilian club Ituano in July 2019 and went on to make 278 appearances for the club in all competitions, scoring 62 goals.

"During his seven years with us, the 25-year-old played an integral role in helping us win the Premier League last season, the FA Cup in 2020 and the FA Community Shield in 2023.

"In that time, Gabi also established himself as a Brazil international, earning 27 caps and representing his country at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, where he won a gold medal, as well as the 2024 Copa America and the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups.

"Everyone at Arsenal would like to thank Gabi for his contribution to the club and wish him and his family well for the future."

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