Gabriel Martinelli Finalizing €65m Al Hilal Transfer After 61-Game Season

Arsenal and Al Hilal are exchanging draft documents for the transfer of Gabriel Martinelli in a deal worth up to €65 million ($76m).

Al Hilal have reached the final stages of negotiations to sign Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli for a total package valued at €65 million ($76m). The Saudi Pro League side has presented the 25-year-old Brazilian international with a four-year contract, which has been accepted in principle. This development comes as both clubs begin the formal process of exchanging draft documents to conclude the transaction. The financial structure of the deal includes a significant base transfer fee supplemented by performance-related incentives, marking a major investment by the Riyadh-based club.

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During the previous competitive cycle, the winger maintained an intensive schedule, accumulating 61 appearances for both his Premier League club and the Brazil national team. His statistical output during that period included 13 goals and seven assists across all competitions. These figures solidified his standing as a primary target for Middle Eastern recruitment, despite his current contract at the Emirates Stadium being slated to run until June 2027. The player’s representatives and family members have spent recent weeks evaluating the proposal, ultimately deciding that the move aligns with his career objectives.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta addressed the impending departure during a press conference on Thursday, August 27, 2026. The Spaniard emphasized that any final decision would be the result of a collective agreement between the player and the club hierarchy. "Everybody knows and recognised how much we love Gabi and whatever the outcome is, it is because everyone agrees to that," Arteta remarked to reporters. He characterized the ongoing dialogue as transparent, noting that while the conversations were emotionally significant, they were necessary for the club's evolution.

Latest developments

Before engaging with Al Hilal, the Brazilian forward had rejected a formal approach from Turkish giants Galatasaray. The decision to pivot toward the Saudi Pro League was influenced by the specific quality of life and the lucrative financial terms offered by the 19-time Saudi champions. Martinelli originally arrived in North London in 2019 as a teenager, and this exit would conclude a seven-year tenure with the Gunners. The timing of the move coincides with Arsenal’s preparation for a Champions League campaign that features high-profile fixtures against Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Borussia Dortmund.

ESPN’s Bruno Andrade confirmed that the valuation of the package was a key factor in Arsenal's willingness to facilitate the transfer. The North London club is currently navigating a complex window where squad depth and financial sustainability are being balanced against the demands of elite European competition. Martinelli’s departure represents one of the most significant sales in the club's recent history, providing substantial capital for future reinvestment. The player is expected to undergo medical examinations shortly after the final paperwork is ratified by the respective football associations.

The Saudi recruitment strategy continues to target established European stars, with Martinelli joining a growing list of high-profile acquisitions in the region. His ability to operate across the front line was a specific requirement for the Al Hilal coaching staff, who sought a dynamic attacker with proven experience in the English top flight. As the draft documents are processed, the focus remains on the logistical transition of the player from London to Riyadh. The formal announcement is anticipated once the final signatures are secured on the €65 million agreement.