Al-Hilal set to welcome Gabriel Martinelli after agreeing Arsenal transfer

Al-Hilal have reached an agreement to sign Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli in a deal worth more than €65m, including add-ons, bringing an end to speculation over the Brazil international’s future.

The agreement was confirmed by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, who reported on X: “Gabriel Martinelli to Al-Hilal, verbal agreement reached for more than €65m, including add-ons.”

Martinelli has been given permission to travel to Saudi Arabia within the next 24 hours, according to Romano. His arrival will allow the two clubs to complete the final formalities before Al-Hilal make the transfer official.

The Brazilian is expected to sign a long-term contract with Al-Hilal, who are continuing to reshape their attacking options in preparation for the new season. The move would represent one of the most significant deals of the current transfer window for the Saudi club, both in financial terms and in the profile of the player recruited from Arsenal.

Martinelli’s planned arrival is part of a wider attacking strategy at Al-Hilal. The club have also secured the signing of England striker Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa, with both deals understood to have been included in a transfer plan prepared in advance.

Those additions will give head coach Simone Inzaghi a forward line featuring a range of different qualities. Al-Hilal also have Netherlands international Crysencio Summerville in their squad, adding to the attacking choices available to the Italian manager.

Martinelli is expected to bring pace and direct running to the Saudi side, while Watkins offers a strong presence as a striker. Summerville gives the team another option capable of advancing the ball and creating openings, leaving Al-Hilal with a forward group built around speed, penetration and strength in the penalty area.

The agreement for Martinelli reinforces Al-Hilal’s ambitions in the transfer market. The club have now moved close to completing a deal for a high-profile Brazilian player at a fee exceeding €65m, with the winger only a short time away from travelling to Saudi Arabia.

Once the final procedures are completed, Martinelli will begin a new chapter of his career in Al-Hilal’s colours and provide Inzaghi with another major attacking weapon for the coming season. The transfer also underlines the scale of the club’s plans as they seek to assemble a forward line containing several high-profile names.