Arsenal’s €65m Martinelli Exit: Why Arteta Is Ready to Reshape His Attack

The latest development leaves Arsenal and the Saudi Pro League side working through the remaining contractual details on a package understood to be worth more than €65 million, with Martinelli's medical expected to be arranged once the paperwork is completed. Recent reports have described the transfer as a potential club-record sale for Arsenal.

Martinelli's departure would bring an end to a seven-year Arsenal career and could have significant consequences for Mikel Arteta's attacking plans as the transfer window approaches its conclusion.

                 [ ARSENAL'S TRANSFER DOMINO ]
                           |
          +----------------+----------------+
          |                                 |
 [ MARTINELLI → AL HILAL ]          [ WHAT COMES NEXT? ]
       €65m+ package                 Attack reshuffle
       Final negotiations            Potential new signing
       Medical pending               Squad space created

Why is Martinelli leaving Arsenal?

Martinelli joined Arsenal from Brazilian club Ituano in 2019 and developed into an important part of Arteta's squad.

The 25-year-old has made 278 appearances and scored 62 goals for the Gunners, according to recent reporting.

However, his position in the pecking order has become less secure.

Arsenal's attacking options have expanded, while Martinelli's opportunities in the Premier League diminished last season. He remained capable of producing on the biggest stage, scoring six Champions League goals in 2025/26, but his domestic involvement was more limited.

His omission from Arsenal's early-season matchday squads further fuelled speculation that his time in north London was coming to an end.

The €65m deal could become Arsenal's biggest sale

The financial element makes the transfer particularly significant.

Reports have placed the overall Al Hilal package at more than €65m, while other reporting has broken the structure down differently, with an initial fee around £50m and additional bonuses.

If completed at the reported level, the transfer would become Arsenal's record player sale, surpassing the £40m received from Liverpool for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in 2017.

That gives Arsenal considerable financial flexibility during the final days of the window.

What does Martinelli's exit mean for Arteta?

Martinelli's departure leaves Arteta without one of his most experienced wide attackers.

The Brazilian has primarily operated from the left but has also provided versatility across the front line. His pace and ability to attack space gave Arsenal a different dimension, particularly against opponents defending with a high line.

The decision to sell therefore creates a sporting question as well as a financial one.

Arsenal will need to decide whether their existing attacking options are sufficient or whether Martinelli's departure should trigger another move before the window closes.

Arsenal have already been linked with attacking reinforcements, including Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez. However, manager Arteta has declined to comment on speculation surrounding the Argentina international.

That means Martinelli's transfer should not automatically be presented as funding a confirmed Álvarez deal. The sale could provide Arsenal with greater room to manoeuvre, but any subsequent signing remains a separate decision.

What Al Hilal are getting

For Al Hilal, Martinelli represents a major addition to their attacking options.

The Brazilian brings Premier League experience, Champions League exposure and the ability to play as a dynamic wide forward.

At 25, he also arrives at an age where Al Hilal can expect both immediate contribution and several years of peak-level football.

The Saudi club's pursuit reflects their continued ambition to attract established players from Europe's biggest leagues, while Martinelli would have the opportunity to take on a prominent role in a new attacking setup.

Medical is the next major step

The transfer is not yet officially complete.

The latest update indicates that contracts are being checked, with Arsenal and Al Hilal finalising the remaining elements of the package. Once those details are resolved, Martinelli's medical is expected to be booked.

For Arsenal, the move would close a seven-year chapter that began when the club signed the Brazilian in 2019.

For Martinelli, it would represent a major career decision—and potentially the beginning of a new phase in Saudi Arabia.

The key question now is what Arsenal do with the space and financial flexibility created by his departure.