Gabriel Martinelli grew up near São Paulo and began his career at Ituano, a small club in the São Paulo state league. After trials at clubs including Manchester United and Barcelona, Arsenal signed him in 2019, aged 18, for around £6 million.
He made an immediate impact, scoring ten goals in his first season, and won the FA Cup in 2020. He became a regular on the left wing, known for his pace, energy and finishing, and was an important player as Arsenal challenged for the Premier League title.
Martinelli has been capped by Brazil and played at the 2022 World Cup. In September 2026 he joined Al-Hilal for £60 million, a club-record sale for Arsenal.
Playing style
Martinelli is a quick, energetic winger who usually plays on the left. He dribbles at defenders, cuts inside to shoot and makes runs in behind. His work rate is exceptional, and he presses relentlessly, which suits Mikel Arteta’s system. He is also a good finisher, scoring important goals in Arsenal’s title challenges.
International career
Martinelli made his Brazil debut in 2022 and played at the 2022 World Cup. He was part of the squad at the 2024 Copa América.
Career in numbers
Martinelli’s senior club career, which began in 2018, has so far brought 316 appearances and 75 goals for 3 clubs. The 2022/23 season, with 15 goals from 46 matches for Arsenal, remains his highest tally. His busiest campaign was 2025/26, with 53 appearances. So far in 2026/27 he has 3 goals in 4 appearances for Al-Hilal. The full season-by-season record is in the Stats section of this profile.
