Gabriel Martinelli Exits Arsenal for £60m Al-Hilal Move, Omits Mikel Arteta in Farewell
Gabriel Martinelli has finalized a club-record £60 million transfer from Arsenal to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. The 25-year-old Brazilian winger shared a heartfelt goodbye message to the club but noticeably left out manager Mikel Arteta, amid reports of a falling out between them.
Sudden Rift Leads to Departure
After seven years at the Emirates Stadium, Martinelli's exit marks a significant moment for Arsenal. He was officially unveiled by Al-Hilal following a medical examination in Riyadh earlier this week. Despite playing a key role in Arsenal’s Premier League triumph last season, Martinelli found himself excluded from recent matchday squads, missing the Community Shield and the league opener against Coventry City.
The relationship between Martinelli and Arteta deteriorated quickly, with the manager informing him he no longer fit into his tactical plans. This led to the lucrative move to Saudi Arabia. Martinelli had one year left on his contract and previously turned down an offer from Turkish club Galatasaray before accepting Al-Hilal's proposal.
Farewell Message Leaves Out Arsenal Boss
Upon the official announcement, Martinelli posted on social media, expressing gratitude to everyone at Arsenal except Arteta. He wrote:
I can only thank the staff and my teammates. Thank you to the chefs, kit staff, doctors, doormen, security staff, media team, cleaning staff, physios, and every single teammate who has been part of my story from 2019 until today. And to the fans, thank you for everything. Since my first day, you made me feel at home. Every time I stepped on the pitch, despite everything, I tried to give everything I had for this shirt. To Arsenal, thank you for believing in me and giving me the chance to show myself to the world.
He added:
Most of all, I want to thank my family and my wife, who have been by my side throughout this entire journey, giving me all the emotional support I needed to overcome the challenges that only we truly know. It has been a long journey, too much history and now it has come to an end.
Closing his post with emotion, Martinelli said:
I'm writing this with tears in my eyes, so hard to put 7 years into words. From 35 to 11. Once a Gunner, Always a Gunner. Goodbye, and thank you again.
Locker Room Tension and Arsenal's Plans
The manner of Martinelli’s departure has stirred unrest within the Arsenal dressing room. Several senior players expressed disappointment over his exclusion during the summer. Former striker Ian Wright shared his discomfort on Sky Sports, criticizing the treatment Martinelli received.
Arsenal are already working to reshape their left wing. They signed Christos Tzolis for £34 million this summer and are relying on Eberechi Eze as a backup. Attempts to bring in Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid fell through.
Martinelli ends his Premier League stint with 191 appearances before joining a star-studded Al-Hilal squad under coach Simone Inzaghi. He will link up with new teammates Ollie Watkins and Crysencio Summerville in Riyadh.
Next Steps for Arsenal and Martinelli
Arsenal will aim to maintain focus as they defend their Premier League title, hoping the revamped attack gels quickly under Arteta. Meanwhile, Martinelli begins his new chapter in the Middle East, where Al-Hilal are battling top rivals including Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr for the Saudi Pro League crown. Expectations are high for the £60 million signing to make an immediate impact.
- Saudi Pro League Match: Al Shabab vs Al Hilal – 4 Sept 2026, 20:00
- Premier League Match: Arsenal vs Chelsea – 6 Sept 2026, 17:30
