Martinelli reaches Riyadh with Al Hilal deal nearing completion

Gabriel Martinelli has arrived in Riyadh to complete his expected transfer from Arsenal to Al Hilal during the current summer window, with the Brazilian winger potentially attending his new club’s first derby of the season against Al Ahli.

Footage published by Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat showed Martinelli arriving in the Saudi capital before leaving in a private car to finalise his move to Al Hilal.

His arrival came only minutes before kick-off at Kingdom Arena, where Al Hilal were due to face local rivals Al Ahli in a postponed fixture from the third round of the Roshn Saudi League.

According to Thmanyah, Martinelli was expected to make his way to the stadium to watch the match between the two sides. His possible appearance would give supporters an immediate opportunity to see the player who is set to become one of Al Hilal’s major summer signings.

Sports journalist Hamad Al-Suwaihli discussed the expected timing of Martinelli’s arrival with Thmanyah reporter Faisal Al-Malouqi.

“Al Hilal’s summer has been historic, not only in terms of signings but also in reaching financial settlements with a number of players, and I think Martinelli will arrive during the match,” Al-Suwaihli said.

Reports have indicated that Al Hilal and Arsenal have reached an agreement for the permanent transfer of the Brazil international. The proposed deal is understood to be a long-term contract worth more than 65m euros, including add-ons.

Martinelli, 24, would become Al Hilal’s third foreign signing of the summer transfer window. He would follow Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville, who joined from West Ham United, and England striker Ollie Watkins, who arrived from Aston Villa.

A separate video shared on social media showed the moment Martinelli reached Riyadh, with the caption describing his arrival as preparation for joining Al Hilal from Arsenal.

The move would bring an end to Martinelli’s time at Arsenal, where he established himself as a prominent attacking player. His proposed switch to Saudi Arabia has emerged during a significant period of recruitment and squad changes at Al Hilal.

The club’s meeting with Al Ahli is the first Al Hilal Clasico of the new season and is being played at Kingdom Arena after being postponed from the Roshn Saudi League’s third round. Martinelli’s presence at the stadium, if he attends as expected, would add further attention to an already high-profile fixture.

No confirmation was provided in the reports that Martinelli would be involved on the pitch. His expected attendance would instead allow him to observe Al Hilal’s derby against Al Ahli before completing the formal steps of his transfer.