Arsenal's sale of Gabriel Martinelli to Al Hilal for €70 million set a new club record and marked a clear change in Mikel Arteta's approach. Martinelli, once a regular starter and fan favourite, had lost his place as Arsenal's plans moved on from what he offered.
According to Reuters, Martinelli played 278 matches and scored 62 goals for Arsenal in all competitions since joining the club in 2019.
The money is only part of the story. Martinelli's attacking numbers dropped sharply last season-just one Premier League goal, compared to 15 the year before. As Arsenal's tactics changed, his main strength-running into space behind defences-became less useful against teams that sat deep. Arteta now wants wingers who can break down packed defences with skill and creativity in tight spaces, not just speed and work rate.
Arsenal's recent signings show this shift. The club brought in Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for €40 million, but is still looking for a top left winger. There have been links to Vinicius Junior (before he renewed with Real Madrid), and ongoing interest in Bradley Barcola and Kenan Yildiz. The message is clear: Arsenal wants more quality and variety on the flanks.
The transfer was officially completed on September 3, 2026, after seven years of Martinelli at Arsenal. According to The Athletic and Reuters, the €70 million fee is guaranteed and does not depend on bonuses, and the deal includes a clause entitling Arsenal to a percentage of any future resale. Al Hilal confirmed a four-year contract for Martinelli, and Arsenal's official statement, as reported by Al Jazeera, made clear the move was permanent and finalized immediately after negotiations.
The timing made sense for Arsenal. Selling a player who was no longer central to Arteta's plans for nearly double his market value gives the club room to reinvest. Letting Martinelli go, despite his long contract, shows a new, more pragmatic approach to squad building-focused on performance and asset value.
Arsenal's move is straightforward: loyalty has given way to a sharper focus on tactics and finances. By selling Martinelli at his peak value and looking for upgrades on the left wing, Arteta is making it clear that only players who fit the system and deliver in tough matches will keep their place. For Arsenal, this transfer is a clear signal of where the club is heading.
