Gabriel Martinelli’s representative details the background of his transfer to Al-Hilal and states that the move marks the end of a victorious cycle at Arsenal.
Gabriel Martinelli’s transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal stirred up the international transfer market. At 25 years old, the Brazilian forward decided to end a seven-season tenure at Arsenal.
The player established himself as a key part of the English squad and won important titles that marked the London club’s recent history.
In an exclusive interview with the M360 Team, the player’s agent, Marcos Casseb, clarified that the departure was a planned and conscious decision.
According to the agent, Martinelli’s goal was to conclude his time in the Premier League on a high note, especially after winning the English title.
The End of a Cycle at Emirates Stadium
Casseb highlighted that the forward arrived at the club still young, at 18 years old, experiencing the entire technical rebuilding process that Arsenal faced in recent years.
Casseb stated:
It’s the closing of a cycle. He arrived there at 18, with Arsenal not even qualifying for the Europa League, a team that underwent a complete restructuring during those years. He proved himself in European football, helped Arsenal win titles, and capped off his last year with the Premier League, which is what he wanted to give Arsenal fans—something he always desired: to win a major title for the supporters.
Betting on the Growth of the Saudi League
Regarding the choice of Al-Hilal, the agent countered common criticisms about the competitive level of Saudi football. According to him, the local market is undergoing a profound transformation.
The goal is to reduce the average age and raise the technical level with talents who have played in the World Cup.
Casseb explained:
Some Arab clubs are currently signing players aged 18, 19, 20, an idea to lower the league’s average age, which, by chance, is only one year below the Premier League.
Financial Impact and Future
The negotiation, which was around 70 million euros (approximately R$ 416 million), not only benefits Arsenal’s coffers, as they made the largest sale in their history.
Ituano, the club from São Paulo responsible for the player’s development, will receive approximately R$ 49 million due to the solidarity clause and training rights.
The expectation now is that Martinelli will begin his journey in Saudi Arabia with the status of a protagonist.
The move is regarded by the player’s staff as an opportunity to experience new surroundings in a league that, in his representative’s view, demands seriousness and constant monitoring.
M360 Team
