Al-Hilal hint new position for Gabriel Martinelli after signing him from Arsenal
Gabriel Martinelli has officially completed his move from Arsenal to Al-Hilal.
The Brazil international spent seven years at the Emirates Stadium, and was, and still is, a fan favourite.
On Thursday, both Al-Hilal and the Gunners officially confirmed Martinelli’s transfer in what was a sad moment for every Arsenal fan.
Amid the emotions, some supporters spotted what the Saudi club announced as his position.
Al-Hilal hint Gabriel Martinelli will play as an attacking midfielder after Arsenal exit
Gabriel Martinelli is an out-and-out attacker.
The Brazilian started his Gunners career under Unai Emery as a striker, and he was absolutely incredible in that position.
Under Mikel Arteta’s tutelage, however, most of Martinelli’s minutes came as a left-winger, where he produced a number of excellent performances.
That role may soon change.
In one of Al-Hilal’s introductory posts about Martinelli, the Saudi side created an image of his profile, where they mention his age, nationality, position, preferred foot and height.
Everything else checked out, but next to position, they wrote: ‘Attacking midfielder’.
That is really surprising because Martinelli didn’t play a single game in attacking midfield for Arsenal throughout his seven years at the club.
Martinelli in numbers 🔝 pic.twitter.com/iXT0uhkJhf
— AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) September 3, 2026
Al-Hilal may copy Carlo Ancelotti’s tactic for Gabriel Martinelli
Martinelli never played in midfield at Arsenal, but Carlo Ancelotti used him in that role at the World Cup this summer.
Al-Hilal manager Simone Inzaghi, an Italian like Ancelotti, must have seen that, and there is a chance he may use the former Arsenal man in the same way.
Speaking about playing in midfield, Martinelli said, as per Metro: “At Arsenal I don’t play that position, but I can. The manager has been talking to me about how I can play in that role, playing centrally.
“I’m happy to help the team regardless of the position. On the pitch, I’ll try to help Brazil in the best way possible.”
It will be interesting to see how Martinelli will fare if he does end up playing in midfield.
