Arsenal have confirmed the permanent transfer of Gabriel Martinelli to Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal in a club-record £60 million deal. The fixed-fee agreement includes a sell-on clause, meaning Arsenal could receive an additional payment if Martinelli is transferred again in the future.

The sale is the largest outgoing transfer in Arsenal’s history, surpassing the £40 million received from Liverpool for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in 2017. Martinelli’s move brings an end to his seven-year spell in north London and provides Arsenal with a significant return as the club continues to reshape its squad.

The £60 million fee reflects the growing spending power of the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Hilal securing a 25-year-old Brazil international who has been an important part of Arsenal’s attack in recent seasons. Martinelli’s direct running, work rate and ability to operate across the forward line made him a valuable option for Mikel Arteta, particularly within Arsenal’s pressing structure.

His departure leaves Arsenal with a gap in their wide attacking options, and the club will now need to assess how best to replace his pace and left-sided threat. The permanent nature of the transfer signals a longer-term change in Arsenal’s attacking group rather than a temporary solution.

For Al-Hilal, Martinelli adds further high-level European experience to an already star-studded squad. The Brazilian will be expected to adapt quickly as the Saudi club pursue domestic success and continental progress.

The deal represents a significant moment in Arsenal’s transfer strategy: the club have secured an immediate club-record fee while retaining a potential future financial benefit through the sell-on clause. Both Arsenal and Al-Hilal will now focus on integrating their revised squads for the campaign ahead.