Martinelli Nears Al Hilal Move After Seven Years at Arsenal
Gabriel Martinelli is close to joining Al Hilal for around €70 million, ending his seven-year spell at Arsenal. The Brazilian winger, who scored a memorable winner against Real Madrid, never wanted to leave but is being moved on. His departure brings sadness and regret to many supporters.
Martinelli arrived at Arsenal in 2019 from Brazilian club Ituano as a teenager and developed into a key figure under Mikel Arteta. His April 2025 goal at the Bernabeu against Real Madrid became a defining moment in Arsenal's return to elite European competition, sparking celebrations among traveling supporters. The €70 million fee would see him depart for Saudi Arabia after seven years in north London.
The winger's public statements emphasized his attachment to the club, its city, and its fans, with money explicitly not a motivating factor. His exit contrasts sharply with other recent transfers, including Liam Delap's move to Nottingham Forest and Julian Alvarez's strained situation at Atletico Madrid, highlighting how different players experience the business side of football.
This transfer could resonate beyond Arsenal's fanbase, illustrating the growing financial pull of Saudi football on players still in their prime. Supporters may feel a sense of loss when a player who demonstrated genuine loyalty is moved on for commercial reasons, potentially deepening skepticism about modern football's priorities. The move may also prompt broader conversations about career control, as players like Martinelli can find themselves transferred despite expressing no desire to leave, affecting how fans perceive club ownership and sporting ambition.