Al Hilal Agree Deal to Sign Gabriel Martinelli
Al Hilal have agreed a deal to sign Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal as the Saudi Pro League giants continue strengthening their attack with established Premier League talent.
Arsenal have reportedly accepted a club-record £55.7 million offer—approximately €65 million—for the Brazilian winger. Martinelli has received permission to travel for his medical, although the transfer still requires the usual medical, contractual and registration procedures before becoming official. If completed, he will become the most expensive sale in Arsenal’s history. Sky Sports
The 25-year-old has already accepted the move, with Al Hilal planning to include him in a rebuilt attack alongside Ollie Watkins.
Martinelli’s expected departure would end an eventful seven-year association with Arsenal, during which he developed from a relatively unknown Brazilian prospect into an established Premier League and international forward.
Martinelli Granted Permission to Travel
Martinelli has reportedly been authorised to travel to Saudi Arabia for his medical examination.
The agreement is understood to be worth more than €65 million when the full package is considered. That represents a major return for Arsenal, who recruited him from Brazilian side Ituano in 2019 for a comparatively modest fee.
While the deal has reached an advanced stage, it is best described as agreed rather than officially completed. Martinelli must pass his medical and sign the required documents before Al Hilal can formally announce him.
The reported fee would surpass the £40 million Arsenal received when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain joined Liverpool in 2017, establishing a new club record for a player sale. Sky Sports
Al Hilal Target Martinelli and Ollie Watkins
Al Hilal’s plan is to build an attack capable of dominating Saudi football and challenging for continental honours.
The club is targeting both Martinelli and Watkins, two players with extensive Premier League experience but very different attacking qualities.
Watkins can operate through the centre, hold up possession and make intelligent runs behind defenders. Martinelli is most dangerous from the left, where he can use his pace to attack full-backs before moving inside to shoot.
Together, they could form an extremely effective partnership:
- Martinelli provides speed and width from the left.
- Watkins offers movement and finishing through the middle.
- Both players can lead aggressive pressing.
- Martinelli can attack space created by the central striker.
- Their Premier League experience should help raise Al Hilal’s attacking level.
Martinelli is entering the peak years of his career, making this more than a short-term marquee signing. Al Hilal would be acquiring a player capable of contributing for several seasons.
Martinelli’s Journey from Ituano to Arsenal
Arsenal signed Martinelli from Ituano in July 2019, when he was only 18 years old. Before moving to England, he had scored 10 goals in 34 senior appearances after making his professional debut at 16 years and nine months. Premier League
He arrived in North London without the reputation usually attached to a major Arsenal signing, but his speed, directness and confidence quickly attracted attention.
Martinelli demonstrated from his first season that he was not intimidated by the physical or tactical demands of English football. His willingness to press defenders and make aggressive runs provided Arsenal with energy during a difficult transitional period.
He soon became one of the club’s most exciting young players.
An Immediate Arsenal Breakthrough
Martinelli’s first campaign established him as a serious first-team option. He scored in domestic cup competitions, made an impact in the Premier League and produced memorable performances in Europe.
His energy made him popular among Arsenal supporters. He consistently chased apparently lost causes, challenged defenders and attacked the penalty area whenever opportunities appeared.
A serious knee injury interrupted his development, but Martinelli returned and gradually regained his place. His recovery demonstrated the determination that became one of the defining features of his Arsenal career.
Under Mikel Arteta, he developed into a more disciplined winger. He improved his pressing, defensive positioning and tactical understanding while retaining the explosive pace that made him so dangerous.
Martinelli’s Best Qualities at Arsenal
Martinelli became particularly effective when Arsenal attacked quickly.
Starting from the left wing, he could stretch opponents by remaining wide or move inside to combine with the centre-forward. His acceleration made him a major threat during transitions, while his work rate allowed Arsenal to begin their press from the front.
His principal qualities included:
- Explosive acceleration
- Direct dribbling
- Intelligent runs behind defences
- Aggressive pressing
- Goalscoring from wide positions
- Strong defensive work rate
- Ability to play on either wing or centrally
Martinelli was at his best when Arsenal moved possession forward at speed. His understanding with the team’s left-sided midfielders and full-backs helped the Gunners create overloads before attacking the box.
Martinelli’s Arsenal Record
Martinelli is set to leave Arsenal having reportedly recorded 62 goals in 278 appearances across all competitions. FootballTransfers
Those figures represent a successful return for a player signed as a teenager with limited senior experience.
During his time in North London, Martinelli helped Arsenal win major domestic honours and contributed to the club’s return to the highest level of English and European football.
His reported Arsenal honours include:
- One Premier League title
- One FA Cup
- Two Community Shields
- A run to the UEFA Champions League final
Martinelli’s legacy will not be measured only by his statistics. He joined during a period of instability and developed alongside Arsenal’s wider rebuilding project, becoming an important player as the club returned to competing for major trophies.
Why Are Arsenal Selling Martinelli?
The proposed transfer appears to combine sporting and financial considerations.
Martinelli remained a valuable member of the squad, but his playing time reportedly decreased during the previous campaign. Increased competition on Arsenal’s left side created uncertainty about his long-term starting position.
Al Hilal’s offer also gives Arsenal an opportunity to generate a substantial profit. Selling for around €65 million would provide funds to reinvest while setting a new club record for an outgoing transfer.
From the player’s perspective, the move offers the chance to become a central figure in an ambitious Al Hilal project. Rather than competing for minutes, Martinelli could arrive as one of the team’s leading attackers.
The transfer could therefore benefit all three parties:
- Arsenal receive a significant transfer fee.
- Al Hilal acquire an elite winger in his prime.
- Martinelli gains a prominent role and a new career challenge.
What Martinelli Will Bring to Al Hilal
Martinelli’s pace should make him especially dangerous in the Saudi Pro League.
Teams defending deeply against Al Hilal may attempt to restrict the space behind them, but the Brazilian is also capable of beating defenders individually. His movement inside the box can create chances even when counterattacking opportunities are limited.
He will also contribute without the ball. Martinelli developed within Arteta’s demanding pressing structure and understands how to close passing lanes, pressure defenders and recover possession high up the pitch.
His arrival would give Al Hilal an attacker who combines European tactical education with Brazilian flair.
A possible partnership with Watkins could be particularly effective. Watkins’ central movement would occupy defenders, potentially creating one-on-one opportunities for Martinelli on the left.
What His Departure Means for Arsenal
Losing Martinelli would remove speed, work rate and valuable Premier League experience from Arsenal’s attack.
The Gunners will need to ensure they retain enough depth on the left wing, particularly while competing in the Premier League, Champions League and domestic cups.
However, a record transfer fee gives Arsenal flexibility. The club can use the proceeds to recruit a replacement, strengthen another attacking position or support a move for a major forward.
Martinelli’s departure would be emotional for supporters, but it would also demonstrate Arsenal’s improved ability to generate significant income from player sales.
Is Martinelli a Good Signing for Al Hilal?
Martinelli would be an outstanding acquisition for Al Hilal.
At 25, he is considerably younger than many high-profile players who have moved from Europe to Saudi Arabia. He has already played hundreds of matches for Arsenal, represented Brazil and competed at the highest levels of club football.
His pace, versatility and experience make him an ideal fit for Al Hilal’s ambitions.
Signing rating: 9/10.
The transfer would only fall short of a perfect rating because Martinelli must adapt to a new league, country and tactical environment. Nevertheless, his age and playing style suggest he can become one of the Saudi Pro League’s most dangerous attackers.
Final Transfer Verdict
Gabriel Martinelli’s proposed move to Al Hilal represents the end of an important Arsenal chapter and the beginning of an ambitious new project in Saudi Arabia.
The Brazilian arrived in England as an 18-year-old prospect and developed into a Premier League champion, Brazil international and established Champions League forward.
Al Hilal would be signing a player in his prime rather than one approaching the final years of his career. If the club completes moves for both Martinelli and Watkins, it could possess one of the strongest attacking combinations in Asian football.
The medical and final documents must still be completed, but the agreement appears to be moving towards a formal announcement.
For Arsenal supporters, Martinelli will be remembered for his speed, relentless effort and important contribution to the club’s return to the top.
Responsible betting notice: Transfer developments can influence future team and player markets. Confirm that a deal has been officially completed and review squad news before placing any wager with Bangbet. Bet only with money you can afford to lose and always play responsibly.
Bangbet More Than Win!
