Gabriel Martinelli Leaves Arsenal for Al-Hilal in £60m Record Transfer, Snubs Mikel Arteta in Farewell

Gabriel Martinelli has completed a record-breaking £60 million transfer from Arsenal to Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal. The Brazilian winger shared a heartfelt farewell message to the Gunners but notably did not mention manager Mikel Arteta, hinting at a strained relationship.

Parting Ways After a Fallout with Arteta

After seven years at Emirates Stadium, Martinelli officially moved to Al-Hilal, becoming Arsenal's most expensive sale. The 25-year-old was introduced by his new club in Riyadh following his medical earlier this week.

The departure came after a sharp breakdown in relations with Arteta. Although Martinelli played a part in Arsenal’s Premier League title win last season, he was recently left out of matchday squads, missing key fixtures such as the Community Shield and the Premier League opener against Coventry City.

Arteta reportedly informed Martinelli he was no longer part of his tactical plans, which led to the lucrative transfer to Saudi Arabia. With only a year left on his contract, Martinelli turned down a move to Turkish side Galatasaray before choosing the Al-Hilal offer.

Farewell Message Omits Manager Amidst Tension

Martinelli took to social media to express gratitude to many at Arsenal but excluded Arteta from his acknowledgements. He wrote:

I can only thank the staff and my teammates. Thank you to the chefs, kit staff, doctors, doormen, security staff, media team, cleaning staff, physios, and every single teammate who has been part of my story from 2019 until today. And to the fans, thank you for everything. Since my first day, you made me feel at home. Every time I stepped on the pitch, despite everything, I tried to give everything I had for this shirt. To Arsenal, thank you for believing in me and giving me the chance to show myself to the world.

He added thanks to his family and wife for their support during the challenges he faced, finishing with an emotional note: "I’m writing this with tears in my eyes, so hard to put 7 years into words. From 35 to 11. Once a Gunner, Always a Gunner. Goodbye, and thank you again."

Unrest in Arsenal Dressing Room and Plans for Left Wing Rebuild

Martinelli's exit caused unrest among Arsenal players, with senior squad members reportedly upset by his complete omission over the summer. Former striker Ian Wright criticized the treatment Martinelli received, saying it made him uncomfortable.

Arsenal have moved quickly to fill the void on the left wing, signing Christos Tzolis for £34 million and relying on Eberechi Eze as backup. The club also attempted to sign Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior but was unsuccessful.

Martinelli's Career Stats and New Chapter at Al-Hilal

• Premier League appearances: 191
• New teammates at Al-Hilal: Ollie Watkins, Crysencio Summerville
• Manager at Al-Hilal: Simone Inzaghi

Martinelli now joins a competitive Al-Hilal squad battling for the Saudi Pro League title alongside Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr.

Arsenal Faces Title Defense Without Martinelli

Arsenal looks to move past any dressing room issues as they defend their Premier League crown. Arteta needs his revamped attack to gel fast to keep momentum going early in the season.

Meanwhile, Martinelli adjusts to life in Saudi Arabia, where expectations are high for immediate impact from the £60 million signing.

Upcoming Matches:

• Saudi Pro League: Al Shabab vs Al Hilal on 4 Sept 2026, 20:00
• Premier League: Arsenal vs Chelsea on 6 Sept 2026, 17:30