Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli has completed a £60m transfer to Saudi Pro League club Al‑Hilal, ending his seven‑year stint at the Emirates. The 25‑year‑old Brazilian signed a four‑year contract with the league leaders, who are also coached by Simone Inzaghi and share the top spot with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al‑Nassr. Martinelli, who joined Arsenal from Ituano in 2019 and was on the final year of his deal, was told by manager Mikel Arteta he was not part of his plans, prompting his departure.

He praised his new club in a social‑media video, noting his pride in wearing Al‑Hilal’s blue. The move follows a string of high‑profile signings for Al‑Hilal, including Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa for £51m and Crysencio Summerville from West Ham. Martinelli’s new wages are expected to surpass his reported £180,000‑per‑week salary at Arsenal, where he scored 11 goals in 53 appearances last season and helped the Gunners clinch the Premier League title.

Former striker Ian Wright criticized Arsenal’s handling of the situation, saying the treatment of Martinelli was uncomfortable and that the club should have managed his exit more thoughtfully.