Arsenal Agree Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli Deal With Al Hilal For Around €65m

Arsenal are set to part ways with another Brazilian forward after Gabriel Martinelli reached a verbal agreement to join Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Al Hilal and Martinelli have agreed a deal worth more than €65 million, including add-ons, with the Brazilian winger set to sign a long-term contract with the Saudi Arabian club.

Romano reported on Sunday that Martinelli has been authorised to travel within the next 24 hours to complete the final stages of the transfer, with his move to Al Hilal now described as a “here we go” deal.

The transfer comes as Arsenal prepare for a significant reshaping of their attacking options, with Martinelli’s departure following the imminent exit of fellow Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus.

Earlier on Sunday, Romano also reported that Barcelona had agreed a deal with Arsenal to sign Jesus on a permanent transfer. The Spanish club will reportedly pay €10 million plus add-ons, with the 29-year-old scheduled to undergo his medical on Monday after receiving permission from Arsenal to travel.

Jesus had fallen down Arsenal’s attacking pecking order following the arrival and emergence of other forwards, while his future at the Emirates had become increasingly uncertain. His move to Barcelona will now bring an end to his four-year spell with the Gunners.

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Martinelli’s departure, meanwhile, will see Arsenal lose another player who has been an important part of their attack in recent seasons. The 25-year-old Brazilian joined Arsenal from Ituano in 2019 and developed into one of the club’s prominent attacking players.

His move to Al Hilal also forms part of a wider recruitment plan by the Saudi club. Romano reported that Al Hilal were working on deals for both Martinelli and Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, with the two forwards identified as key attacking targets.

Romano’s latest update indicates that the plan remains in place, with Watkins and Martinelli set to form part of Al Hilal’s attacking project under head coach Simone Inzaghi.

For Arsenal, the simultaneous departures of Jesus and Martinelli represent a major change to the club’s attacking department as the transfer window approaches its conclusion.

The Martinelli deal is expected to become one of Arsenal’s most lucrative sales, with the overall package exceeding €65 million, while Jesus is leaving for a considerably smaller initial fee of €10 million plus potential add-ons.

Both transfers are subject to the completion of the required formalities and medical examinations, with Martinelli expected to travel to Saudi Arabia within the next 24 hours and Jesus due in Barcelona for his medical on Monday.