Gabriel Martinelli joins Al-Hilal from Arsenal for £60m

Gabriel Martinelli has completed a transfer from Arsenal to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League for a fee of £60 million (€70 million). His agent, Marcos Casseb of Roc Nation Sports, confirmed that the Brazilian winger turned down offers from clubs in the Premier League, Italy, and Germany to join the ambitious project in Asia.

Casseb stated that the move was a mutual decision between the player and Arsenal, noting that Martinelli wanted to “clear his head a bit” and “change scenery” after seven years in North London. The transfer marks a significant departure for the 24-year-old, who joined Arsenal at age 18 and helped the club secure the Premier League title last season.

Martinelli has signed a contract with Al-Hilal through his age-29 season. While he has made a strong start in Saudi Arabia, Casseb indicated that the player dreams of eventually returning to his boyhood club, Corinthians, in the future.