Gabriel Martinelli joins Al-Hilal on four-year deal with support from Prince Alwaleed bin Talal

Al-Hilal have signed Brazil forward Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal on a four-year contract, with the Saudi club thanking Prince Alwaleed bin Talal for his support and contribution to the deal.

The transfer was announced during the summer transfer window after Martinelli travelled to Riyadh on Tuesday to undergo a medical examination. Al-Hilal then confirmed the arrival of the 24-year-old through their official social media accounts, using the message: “He chose to be a الهلال in the sky of glory.”

In a presentation video released by the club, Martinelli said: “Proud to wear the blue shirts… proud to be a الهلالي.”

Al-Hilal did not disclose the transfer fee or the financial terms of the agreement. However, Al-Sharq Al-Awsat reported that Martinelli is expected to earn about 20m euros per year.

The club also issued a statement thanking Prince Alwaleed bin Talal for his continued support and ongoing contributions to Al-Hilal, as well as his role in strengthening the club’s competitive capabilities.

Martinelli’s arrival is one of the latest high-profile additions to Al-Hilal’s squad. The club is managed by Simone Inzaghi, although the Italian has not yet revealed when the Brazilian forward will make his debut.

Martinelli joined Arsenal from Brazilian side Ituano in January 2019. He gradually established himself in Mikel Arteta’s squad and became one of the club’s leading attacking options in recent seasons.

During his time with Arsenal, Martinelli won several domestic honours, including the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Community Shield.

The forward made his name at Arsenal through his pace, direct running and ability to operate from wide attacking positions. His signing gives Al-Hilal another established international player as they continue to strengthen their squad.

The announcement came after Al-Hilal beat Al-Ahli 3-0 on Tuesday. They are due to face Al-Shabab at 21:00 local time on Friday in the fifth round of the Saudi league.

Al-Hilal currently lead the table with 12 points, level with defending champions Al-Nassr, who have the same total. Martinelli’s first appearance for his new club will therefore come as Al-Hilal seek to maintain their early position at the top of the standings.

His move ends a spell of more than six years with Arsenal, where he developed from a young arrival from Ituano into a regular attacking player and a Brazil international. He will now begin a new chapter in Saudi Arabia after completing his medical and agreeing a contract lasting four seasons.