Gabriel Martinelli joins Al Hilal after seven years at Arsenal

Gabriel Martinelli has left Arsenal to join Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal, bringing an end to a seven-year spell in north London.

The 25-year-old Brazil international completed his move after signing a four-year contract with the Saudi Arabian side, who are continuing to recruit established players from European football.

Martinelli joined Arsenal in 2019 and made 278 appearances for the club in all competitions. He scored 62 goals during his time with the Gunners and became an important part of the team’s progress under successive managers.

His honours at Arsenal include the Premier League title last season, the FA Cup in 2020 and the FA Community Shield in 2023.

Arsenal confirmed Martinelli’s departure and thanked the forward for his contribution to the club.

“Everyone at Arsenal would like to thank Gabi for his contribution to the club and wish him and his family well for the future,” the Premier League champions said.

Martinelli is the latest Premier League player to move to Al Hilal this year. He follows Crysencio Summerville, who joined from West Ham United, and Ollie Watkins, who moved from Aston Villa.

His departure marks the end of a lengthy association with Arsenal, where he established himself as a regular attacking option after arriving in 2019. Across his seven years with the club, he contributed to their success in domestic competitions and featured 278 times in total.

The move also adds another established name from European football to Al Hilal’s squad. The club have confirmed that Martinelli’s contract will run for four years, although no further details of the agreement were provided.

Martinelli leaves Arsenal having scored 62 goals for the club and after helping them win three major honours. The Premier League title secured last season was followed in the record of his Arsenal career by the FA Cup triumph in 2020 and the FA Community Shield victory in 2023.

The Brazil international now begins the next stage of his career in the Saudi Pro League, while Arsenal have wished him and his family well for the future.

Elsewhere, Real Madrid have launched disciplinary proceedings against Raul Asencio.