The Brazilian forward's transfer marks a new chapter for the club and player after seven years in London
Category: Sports
Arsenal Football Club has officially agreed to sell Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal for a club-record fee of £55.7 million. The transfer, which will surpass the previous record of £40 million received from Liverpool for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in 2017, is expected to be finalized shortly as Martinelli prepares to undergo a medical examination with his new club.
Martinelli, who joined Arsenal in 2019, has become a key player for the Gunners, contributing significantly to their recent successes, including a Premier League title last season. His departure, along with potential exits of fellow teammates Gabriel Jesus and Fabio Vieira, signals a major shift in Arsenal's squad dynamics as they continue to navigate the transfer window.
As part of the agreement, Martinelli has been granted permission to fly to Saudi Arabia within the next 48 hours to finalize the deal and undergo his medical examination. This transfer marks a new chapter for the 25-year-old who has spent seven years at Arsenal, making 278 appearances and scoring 62 goals during his tenure.
Martinelli's move to Al Hilal comes after he lost his starting position in the team to Leandro Trossard, which has led to speculation about his future at the club. Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's head coach, acknowledged the challenges of discussing player futures but expressed satisfaction with the conversations he had with Martinelli and Jesus. "There are those conversations that go both ways. I'm very satisfied with how these conversations went because I know what is in each other's hearts," Arteta stated, emphasizing the mutual respect in the discussions about their futures.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are also finalizing a deal for Gabriel Jesus to join Barcelona. Reports indicate that Arsenal has agreed to an £8.6 million fee for the Brazilian striker, who has been linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium since last season. Jesus, who joined Arsenal from Manchester City in a £45 million deal four years ago, has struggled with injuries, managing only three Premier League starts last season. His departure will add to the financial windfall for Arsenal, who could see total transfer revenues reach around £72 million with the sales of Martinelli, Jesus, and Fabio Vieira, who is set to move to Hamburg for approximately £7.7 million.
The sale of Martinelli marks a financial milestone for Arsenal and reflects the changing dynamics within the club as Arteta looks to refresh his squad. The Brazilian forward's exit is indicative of a broader strategy to optimize the team's performance and financial health following a successful season where they clinched the Premier League title for the first time since 2004.
Martinelli's rise at Arsenal was meteoric, beginning when he joined the club during Unai Emery's tenure. His explosive playing style quickly made him a fan favorite, and he played a fundamental role in Arsenal's attacking line. His contributions were particularly notable last season when he helped propel the team to the top of the league standings.
With the influx of new talent, including recent signings like Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, Arsenal is looking to build a more competitive squad. The club's management has been actively involved in reshaping the team to maintain their position as title contenders in both domestic and European competitions.
As Arsenal prepares for the upcoming matches, including a Premier League clash against Aston Villa on Monday, the focus will be on integrating new players into the squad. The financial gains from the recent transfers will provide Arteta with the resources needed to strengthen the team ahead of a busy schedule.
Martinelli's potential debut for Al Hilal could come as soon as they face Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League on Friday. His transition to the Saudi league marks a new challenge for him, and he is expected to bring his unique skill set to the growing competitiveness of the league.
Meanwhile, Arsenal will continue to navigate the transfer market, with an eye on bolstering their squad depth and maintaining momentum from last season's success. The club is also reportedly pursuing other targets to fill the gaps left by departing players, ensuring they remain competitive as they aim for more silverware in the coming seasons.
As the transfer window approaches its deadline, the developments surrounding Martinelli, Jesus, and Vieira will be closely monitored by fans and analysts alike. The outcomes will shape Arsenal's strategy moving forward and could set the tone for the club's ambitions in both domestic and European competitions.
With the transfer deadline fast approaching, Arsenal's management is focused on finalizing these deals and preparing for the next chapter in their quest for success. The club's proactive approach in the transfer market reflects a commitment to building a strong and resilient squad capable of competing at the highest levels.