Gabriel Martinelli has chosen to leave Arsenal after a remarkable seven-year spell, opting for a move to Saudi Arabian giants Al-Hilal for a reported fee of £60 million. The winger had multiple offers on the table from Premier League, Italian, and German clubs, but his heart led him to the Middle East.
Martinelli, who joined the Gunners as an 18-year-old, played a key role in their recent Premier League triumph, scoring 11 goals across all competitions last season. His departure marks a significant moment not just for the player, but for Arsenal as they undergo a substantial restructuring.
Agent Marcos Casseb, from Roc Nation Sports, shared that both parties believed it was time to part ways.
"His time at Arsenal had come to an end. Seven years is a long time, and with Arsenal winning the Premier League last season, we felt it was the right moment for him to explore new opportunities. The club felt the same way. This transfer is not only a good move for him but also marks the biggest sale in Arsenal's history, allowing them to cash in significantly," he explained.
Despite having a four-year contract with Al-Hilal, Martinelli has aspirations of returning to Brazil, specifically to play for Corinthians, the club he left years ago.
"He genuinely dreams of coming back one day. He’ll be 29 when his contract ends, and he has a strong passion for Corinthians. If he maintains his form, he could easily return to the Brazil national team. Players in the Saudi league are being noticed, especially after the World Cup, where two players were part of national sides. What he needs now is to showcase his talent consistently," Casseb added.
