Arsenal have officially reached an agreement with Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal for the transfer of Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli, setting a new club record with a fee of £55.7 million. The deal, which includes a medical appointment already granted to the 23‑year‑old, will make Martinelli the most expensive player ever sold by the London club, eclipsing the £40 million received from Liverpool for Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain back in the summer of 2017.
In parallel, Arsenal have also secured a provisional agreement with Spanish giants Barcelona for the departure of fellow Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus. The Spanish side have agreed to an £8.6 million fee in principle, and negotiations are now focused on finalising the contractual details.
Both transfers are moving swiftly toward completion, with Arsenal reportedly arranging travel for Jesus to Spain as early as Monday to complete his medical and paperwork. Jesus, who arrived at the Emirates Stadium from Manchester City four years ago for a reported £45 million, has struggled for regular playing time in recent seasons.
He has contributed 32 goals in 123 appearances for Arsenal, but managed only three starts in the Premier League last term, largely due to a serious knee injury sustained during a January 2025 FA Cup tie against Manchester United. The 29‑year‑old also fell out of favour with the Brazil national team, not featuring for the Seleção since November 2023 despite having earned 64 caps.
While Barcelona have been linked with a number of attacking options this summer, including a potential pursuit of Julian Alvarez, the club has confirmed that the Jesus deal is independent of any other striker targets. Head coach Hansi Flick has praised the current squad and the recruitment strategy overseen by sporting director Deco, stating that the team is on a "good path" and that there is no undue pressure surrounding the signings.
Flick highlighted the quality he sees in training sessions and expressed confidence in Deco's work to reinforce the attacking line‑up. The Martinelli move represents a significant financial boost for Arsenal. The £55.7 million fee not only shatters the previous club record but also contributes to a broader summer strategy aimed at balancing the books after a period of heavy spending. Alongside the Brazilian duo, Arsenal have also agreed to sell midfielder Fabio Vieira to German side Hamburg for an estimated £7.7 million.
Vieira’s transfer is already in its final stages, with the player preparing to travel to Germany to complete the paperwork. Collectively, the three sales – Martinelli, Jesus and Vieira – could generate roughly £72 million in incoming transfer revenue.
This figure adds to the £45 million already secured earlier in the window, positioning Arsenal to potentially exceed £100 million in total sales for the current transfer period. The influx of funds is expected to be reinvested in new signings that align with manager Mikel Arteta’s tactical vision, as well as to strengthen the club’s financial position under the ownership group. Beyond the financial implications, the departures signal a shift in Arsenal’s squad composition. Martinelli, a product of the club’s academy, had been a fan favourite due to his pace, dribbling ability and knack for scoring crucial goals.
His exit opens up space for emerging talents from the youth ranks and for potential acquisitions in the attacking midfield and wing positions. Meanwhile, Jesus’s move to Barcelona offers him a fresh start in La Liga, where his experience in the Premier League and international pedigree could prove valuable for the Catalan side’s pursuit of domestic and European success. The broader market context also influences these deals.
The Saudi Pro League has been aggressively recruiting high‑profile players, offering lucrative contracts and substantial transfer fees, which has heightened competition for talent across Europe. Arsenal’s willingness to negotiate with Al Hilal reflects a pragmatic approach to capitalising on this new financial landscape while maintaining a competitive squad. Fans have expressed mixed reactions on social media. Some lament the loss of home‑grown talent like Martinelli, while others view the sales as a necessary step toward rebuilding a squad capable of challenging for titles in the coming seasons.
The club’s official channels have reiterated their commitment to reinvesting the proceeds into strategic signings and academy development. As the summer window progresses, Arsenal’s next steps will involve identifying target players who can fill the creative and attacking void left by the departing Brazilians. Potential candidates may include versatile forwards capable of operating across the front line, as well as midfielders who can contribute both goals and assists. The club’s scouting network is reportedly active across Europe and South America, seeking talent that fits the tactical framework and financial parameters set by the board.
In summary, Arsenal’s landmark £55.7 million sale of Gabriel Martinelli to Al Hilal, combined with the imminent £8.6 million transfer of Gabriel Jesus to Barcelona and the £7.7 million departure of Fabio Vieira to Hamburg, marks a transformative period for the club. The combined influx of approximately £72 million, added to earlier sales, positions the Gunners to reshape their roster, strengthen their financial footing, and pursue a refreshed competitive strategy for the upcoming season.