Gabriel Martinelli’s departure from Arsenal has taken on a new dimension. Agent Marcos Casseb has revealed that the Brazil international turned down offers from Premier League clubs before committing to Al-Hilal in a transfer worth £60 million this summer. The move marked a radical change of scenery for a player who arrived at Arsenal as an 18-year-old and spent seven years in north London.

Casseb told Brazilian outlet *Itatiaia Esporte* that Martinelli’s time at Arsenal had simply run its course.

> “His time at Arsenal has come to an end. It was seven years; he arrived there at 18 years old,” the agent said.

The comments came after Martinelli was informed that he was no longer part of manager Mikel Arteta’s plans for the new season, prompting the forward to explore alternatives. Arsenal and the player ultimately agreed that the summer was the right time for a change.

Martinelli attracted interest from clubs in Italy, Germany and the Premier League. However, Casseb said the 25-year-old rejected those opportunities and chose Al-Hilal, believing that a fresh environment would benefit both his career and his personal wellbeing.

> “We had offers from Italian clubs, we had offers from German clubs and we had offers from other Premier League clubs,” Casseb said. “But it was a moment when I think he needed and he also wanted to clear his head a bit, to change scenery.”

The transfer, completed earlier this month, earned Arsenal a guaranteed £60 million and became the club’s record sale. Martinelli signed a four-year contract with the Saudi Pro League side, ending his seven-year association with the Gunners.

Casseb described Al-Hilal as “the biggest club in Asia” and said Martinelli had joined an ambitious project. The decision therefore represented more than a move away from the Premier League: it was a deliberate choice to begin a new chapter outside Europe after a significant period at Arsenal.

The transfer also reflects the growing ability of Saudi clubs to attract established international players who continue to have options in Europe. For Martinelli, the move to Al-Hilal ends his Arsenal story and gives him the opportunity to rebuild his momentum in a different footballing environment.