Transfer Market: Arsenal Star Heading to Saudi Arabia for €70 Million

Gabriel Martinelli is on the verge of swapping Arsenal for Al Hilal, with the clubs reportedly finalizing a €70 million transfer agreement, according to The Athletic this Sunday. If confirmed, this would mark the most expensive sale in the London club's history.

The Riyadh-based outfit has offered the Brazilian international a four-year contract. While personal terms are not yet fully agreed upon, they are not expected to pose a hurdle to the deal's completion. Martinelli's trip to finalize the transfer is anticipated early next week.

The €70 million figure (approximately £60 million) is guaranteed and does not include any performance-related bonuses. This transfer will eclipse the Gunners' previous record sale, held by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain since his £35 million (€40.89M) move to Liverpool in 2017.

The departure of 25-year-old Martinelli could coincide with that of another Brazilian forward, Gabriel Jesus, who is in advanced negotiations for a transfer to Barcelona for around €10 million.

Despite being a popular figure in the squad for seven years, Martinelli was left out of the matchday squad for the first two official games of the season: the 3-0 victories over Manchester City in the Community Shield and Coventry in the Premier League.

The forward, who joined Arsenal in 2019 from Ituano, made 278 appearances for the first team, scoring 62 goals. Last season, he featured in 53 matches, helping the team secure their first Premier League title since 2004 and reach the UEFA Champions League final. His contract with Arsenal was valid until 2027, with the club holding an option to extend for an additional year.

Martinelli will be another attacking reinforcement for Al Hilal this summer, following the signing of Crysencio Summerville from West Ham. The Saudi club, which also loaned Darwin to Al Diriyah, remains active in the market and has shown interest in Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins.