Exclusive: Gabriel Martinelli Arrives in Riyadh to Complete Al Hilal Move, likely to be presented on Tuesday

Gabriel Martinelli has arrived in Riyadh as he closes in on completing his transfer from Arsenal to Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal.

The Brazil international is expected to complete the remaining formalities and finalise his move on Monday, bringing an end to his six-year spell at Arsenal. MyKhel understands the player will be presented to the fans on Tuesday ahead of Al Hilal's match against Al Ahli.

The deal is understood to be worth around £55.7 million, which would make Martinelli the most expensive player sale in Arsenal's history, surpassing the £40m received from Liverpool for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in 2017.

Martinelli has been given permission to travel to Saudi Arabia after Arsenal and Al Hilal reached an agreement. Reports indicate that the transfer could ultimately be worth around €65m-€70m, depending on the structure and add-ons. Brazilian outlet Globo has reported that the winger is set to sign a four-year contract, potentially keeping him at Al Hilal until June 2030.

Gabriel Martinelli in Al Hilal

However, Martinelli will not be available for Al Hilal's blockbuster Saudi Pro League meeting with Al Ahli on Tuesday. He is expected to begin training with his new teammates from Wednesday, meaning his Al Hilal debut will have to wait.

The move will be announced on Tuesday and Martinelli is set to be presented to the Al Hilal supporters alongside Ollie Watkins before Tuesday's match at Kingdom Arena.

Watkins has already completed his move from Aston Villa, signing a three-year contract with Al Hilal. The England striker has joined a side that has made an explosive start to the 2026/27 Saudi Pro League campaign, winning its opening three matches and scoring 12 goals.

The arrival of Martinelli will add another explosive attacking option to Simone Inzaghi's squad. The Brazilian's pace, direct running and ability to operate from either flank could complement Watkins through the middle and Crysencio Summerville on the wing.

The 25-year-old joined Arsenal from Brazil's fourth division club Ituano in 2019, under then coach Unai Emery. Across the last seven years, he played 278 times for the Gunners and scored 62 goals with 34 assists to his name. He won the FA Cup in 2020 and became Premier League champion last season.