Arsenal have confirmed a historic transfer in which Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli will leave the club for Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal for a fee of £55.7 million, the highest amount the Gunners have ever received for a player. The deal, which has already been approved for Martinelli to undergo a medical examination with his new club, eclipses the previous record of £40 million that Arsenal secured when Liverpool signed Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain back in the summer of 2017. The move marks a significant shift in Arsenal's summer business, as the club also appears close to sealing the departure of another Brazilian attacker, Gabriel Jesus, who is set to join Barcelona for a fee reported to be around £8.6 million.
While the exact terms are still being finalised, all parties have agreed in principle and are now ironing out the contractual details. Jesus is expected to travel to Spain within the next few days, possibly as early as Monday, to complete his medical and personal negotiations. Jesus, who arrived at the Emirates Stadium from Manchester City in 2019 for a £45 million transfer, has struggled for regular playing time over the past season, making only three Premier League starts due to a serious knee injury sustained in a January 2025 FA Cup tie against Manchester United. Despite the setback, he has contributed 32 goals in 123 appearances for Arsenal and earned 64 caps for Brazil, although he has not featured for the national team since November 2023.
Barcelona, under the guidance of head coach Hansi Flick, have been actively seeking a proven striker to bolster their attacking options this summer. Flick has spoken positively about the club’s recruitment strategy, noting that the sporting director, Deco, is working diligently to strengthen the squad without undue pressure. "We are on a good path at the moment," Flick said ahead of Barcelona’s upcoming match against Rayo Vallecano, emphasizing the importance of quality training sessions and the ongoing work of the recruitment department. While the Barcelona deal proceeds, rumors linking Jesus with a potential move to Serie A side Napoli have also surfaced, but Sky Sports News has clarified that the negotiations with Barcelona are separate and unrelated to any interest from the Italian club.
In addition to the high‑profile exits of Martinelli and Jesus, Arsenal have also reached an agreement to sell midfielder Fabio Vieira to Hamburger SV for an estimated £7.7 million. Vieira, who has shown promise in the Arsenal academy and made several first‑team appearances, is set to travel to Germany to finalise his transfer.
Collectively, the three sales could generate roughly £72 million in incoming transfer fees for Arsenal, adding to the £45 million already secured in this window. This influx of funds provides the North London side with considerable flexibility to reinvest in new talent, address squad depth, and potentially pursue strategic signings that align with the club’s long‑term vision. The departure of Martinelli, a dynamic winger known for his pace, dribbling ability, and eye‑for‑goal, will leave a noticeable gap in Arsenal’s attacking arsenal.
However, the club’s scouting network has identified several emerging talents and established players who could step into the role, ensuring that the team remains competitive across all competitions. Meanwhile, the sale to Al Hilal reflects the growing financial pull of the Saudi Pro League, which has been aggressively courting top talent from Europe with lucrative contracts and substantial transfer fees.
Martinelli’s move underscores this trend, as the Saudi side continues to build a squad capable of challenging for domestic and continental honours. Fans of both Arsenal and the departing players have taken to social media to express their gratitude and well‑wishes. Many highlighted Martinelli’s rise from the club’s academy to becoming a fan favourite, while others praised Jesus for his contributions during his tenure, despite the injury setbacks. As the summer transfer window progresses, Arsenal’s management will need to balance the immediate need for reinforcements with the strategic goal of maintaining financial sustainability.
The club’s recent activity suggests a willingness to capitalize on market opportunities while also preparing for a competitive season ahead. Overall, the confirmed sales of Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Fabio Vieira represent a pivotal moment for Arsenal, marking both the end of an era for several key players and the beginning of a new chapter focused on rebuilding and strategic growth. The forthcoming months will reveal how the club reallocates the substantial funds generated from these deals and which new faces will don the famous red and white jersey next season.