'A staggering 110 billion won' — A record-breaking transfer fee shattered... From EPL champion to 'sudden move to the Middle East': The reasons

*This content was translated by AI.

This is a transfer worthy of applause even from his former club. Brazilian national team winger Gabriel Martinelli (25) has shocked the football world by breaking Arsenal's all-time record for a sale fee and moving to Saudi Arabia's prestigious Al Hilal.

British media outlet 'Sky Sports' reported on the 4th (Korean time): "Martinelli has joined Al Hilal with a transfer fee of 60 million pounds (approximately 110 billion won), which is Arsenal's highest-ever sale amount. After spending seven years at Arsenal, he is now heading to the Saudi stage."

This marks a new chapter in Arsenal's history. Martinelli has set a new record, surpassing the previous highest release fee of 40 million pounds (approximately 73.5 billion won) that Arsenal recorded when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain moved to Liverpool in the summer of 2017 — breaking it nine years later.

Martinelli joined Arsenal in 2019. Earlier this summer, he rejected a 38.9 million pounds (approximately 68.8 billion won) offer from Galatasaray (Turkey), but ultimately confirmed his move to the Middle East following Al Hilal's aggressive pursuit.

Al Hilal announced via its official website that it has signed Martinelli to a four-year contract. The club stated, "We have concluded a four-year agreement with Martinelli in the presence of club owner Nawaf bin Saud," and expressed gratitude to Prince Alwaleed bin Talal for fully funding the massive transfer fee. According to the club, Martinelli will immediately join team training and prepare to face Al Shabab in the league match.

In an interview with Al Hilal's official channels, Martinelli said, "I came here to lift trophies and make fans happy," explaining that "after meeting with director Simon Francis and consulting with my family, I decided this transfer as a decisive step in my career."

He further cited the FIFA Club World Cup as the background for his decision to move to Saudi Arabia. He emphasized, "I watched Al Hilal display fantastic performances, such as defeating Manchester City in the Club World Cup. I personally confirmed that they are a strong team capable of competing on equal footing with Europe's top teams both physically and technically."

He did not forget to bid farewell to Arsenal fans or express his determination toward Al Hilal supporters. Martinelli stated, "The seven years I spent at Arsenal were like my home. I sincerely thank the club and its fans who gave me everything." He added, "I am proud to join a club where great Brazilian legends such as Neymar and Rivaldo have passed through, and to wear the blue jersey. I will pour everything into this team's emblem and throw my body at every ball to repay the fans with trophies for sure."

Martinelli made 191 career appearances in the Premier League while wearing the Arsenal kit, recording 41 goals and 24 assists. He lifted trophies in the English Premier League (EPL), FA Cup, and Community Shield. Although he enjoyed his peak form with 15 league goals during the 2022–2023 season, he started only 11 of Arsenal's 30 league matches last season as the club secured the league title.

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*This content was translated by AI.