Martinelli Quits Arsenal for Al-Hilal in Club-Record £60m Sale

Arsenal have confirmed that Gabriel Martinelli has left the club to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal in a deal worth £60m.

The Brazil forward becomes the latest big name to depart the Premier League champions, following his compatriot Gabriel Jesus out of the Emirates. It is understood the agreement includes a sell-on clause, which gives Arsenal a share of any future profit if Al-Hilal move him on.

The fee is a landmark one for the north London club. It comfortably beats the previous record sale of £40m, which Arsenal received from Liverpool for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in 2017.

Martinelli arrived from Brazilian side Ituano in 2019 and grew into a regular threat on the left flank. He was part of the squad that lifted the Premier League title last season, but his role has diminished and he has fallen down the pecking order in recent months. That made a sale an attractive option for both player and club.

For Arsenal, the money gives real flexibility in the market. Moving on two Brazilian forwards in quick succession also reshapes the attacking options available to the manager.

For Al-Hilal, the signing continues Saudi Arabia's push to bring established international talent to the league, and Martinelli arrives with a Premier League winner's medal to his name.

Elsewhere in the Premier League, Richarlison has been left out of Tottenham's squad list for the competition.