In a significant move within the football transfer market, Gabriel Martinelli has officially departed Arsenal for Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal in a deal worth £60 million ($81 million). This transfer marks a record for Arsenal, making Martinelli the most expensive player to leave the club, surpassing the previous record held by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who was sold to Liverpool for £35 million in 2017.
The decision to sell Martinelli may come as a surprise to many, especially considering his contributions to the team. The Brazilian forward, who has been with Arsenal for seven seasons and played nearly 300 matches, was part of a squad that saw significant changes this summer. His departure follows that of fellow left-sided forward Leandro Trossard, who was transferred to Besiktas, raising questions about Arsenal's depth in attacking options.
Despite the arrival of Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, the loss of both Martinelli and Trossard—who together scored 19 goals last season—leaves Arsenal potentially vulnerable in their offensive lineup. The club is expected to rely more heavily on Eberechi Eze, who will take on a more prominent role as a left-sided forward this season. Additionally, there is confidence that players like Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka can also adapt to play on that side of the pitch.
Martinelli's absence was notable as he was left out of Arsenal's squad for their recent Community Shield victory against Manchester City, as well as their Premier League wins over Coventry City and Aston Villa. This exclusion has sparked discussions among fans and pundits alike regarding the treatment of the talented forward.
Notably, former Arsenal striker Ian Wright expressed his discomfort with how Martinelli was handled, emphasizing that the 25-year-old deserved more respect given his contributions to the club. Wright's comments reflect a broader sentiment among supporters who have admired Martinelli's work ethic and performance during his time at Arsenal.
The timing of this transfer is also crucial, as the Premier League transfer window has closed, while the Saudi Pro League's deadline remains open until Sunday. This gives Al-Hilal a strategic advantage in finalizing their squad ahead of the new season, while Arsenal will need to quickly reassess their attacking strategy moving forward.
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