Gabriel Martinelli, a Brazilian forward who played for Arsenal in England's Premier League, decided to leave the club in early September after being informed by manager Mikel Arteta that he was no longer part of the team's plans for the upcoming season. Martinelli had previously turned down an offer from another Premier League club during the summer transfer window before joining Al-Hilal, a top-tier club in Saudi Arabia. The move brought Arsenal a guaranteed £60 million, significantly more than the £180,000-a-week salary Martinelli earned in England. Former Arsenal player Ian Wright criticized the club's decision to let Martinelli go, arguing that the 25-year-old should have been treated with more "respect." However, Martinelli's agent, Marcos Casseb, stated that it was the right time for his client to move on. Martinelli had received interest from clubs in Italy and Germany, as well as from other Premier League teams looking to keep him in England. Speaking to the Brazilian news outlet Itatiaia Esporte, Casseb explained that Martinelli's time at Arsenal had come to an end. He had joined the club at 18 and spent seven years there, including a period during which Arsenal underwent a major restructuring and won the Premier League last season. Casseb said that both Martinelli and the club agreed it was time for him to move on, and that the departure was mutually beneficial. Casseb also highlighted that Martinelli's transfer made him Arsenal's biggest-ever sale and helped the club generate significant revenue. He mentioned that Martinelli had received offers from various clubs, including in Italy, Germany, and other Premier League teams, but felt it was important for him to change scenery and clear his mind. Martinelli joined Al-Hilal, one of the most prominent clubs in Asia, as part of an ambitious project that has attracted attention for its focus on younger players. The club has signed several players who participated in the World Cup and has prioritized signing players under 27, reflecting a broader trend in Arab football to rejuvenate league rosters.