Gabriel Martinelli has reportedly left the door open for a possible return to Arsenal, with the Brazilian winger making it clear that his connection with the North London club remains special despite his departure to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
The former Arsenal forward spent seven years at the Emirates Stadium, establishing himself as one of the club’s most exciting attacking players before completing a reported £60 million transfer in September 2026.
Martinelli’s departure marked the end of an important chapter in his career, but the possibility of seeing him wear the Arsenal shirt again is a prospect that would excite many supporters. After helping the Gunners win the Premier League title during the 2025/26 campaign, the Brazilian left England in search of a fresh challenge, having found himself facing increased competition for a regular place in Mikel Arteta’s starting eleven.
The 25-year-old’s reported willingness to return if Arsenal ever needed him would undoubtedly attract attention from supporters who remember the energy, pace and determination he brought to the team. However, there has been no confirmed announcement of an agreement for his return, and any potential reunion would depend on several factors, including Arsenal’s future plans, Martinelli’s situation at Al-Hilal and whether both parties wanted to make such a move happen.
Martinelli arrived at Arsenal in 2019 from Brazilian side Ituano as a relatively unknown prospect, but he quickly demonstrated that he possessed the qualities required to compete at the highest level of English football. His explosive acceleration, intelligent movement and ability to attack defenders made him a dangerous option on the left wing.
Over the years, he developed into an important member of Arteta’s squad, contributing goals, assists and relentless pressing that helped Arsenal become one of the strongest teams in England. His performances during the club’s rebuilding period earned him the admiration of supporters who appreciated his commitment and willingness to fight for the badge.
Although his final season at Arsenal was not his most productive in front of goal, Martinelli remained part of the squad that finally brought the Premier League title back to North London. The achievement represented a significant milestone for the club and gave the Brazilian a memorable conclusion to his time in England.
His departure was nevertheless a difficult moment for supporters who had watched him grow from a promising young talent into an established Premier League winger. Martinelli had spent much of his professional development at Arsenal, and the club had played a major role in shaping his career.
The decision to move to Al-Hilal came at a time when Arsenal were making changes to their attacking options. With competition for places increasing and the club considering different approaches to strengthening the forward line, Martinelli’s future became a major talking point during the summer transfer window.
His eventual move brought Arsenal a substantial transfer fee and gave the player an opportunity to begin a new chapter outside European football. Nevertheless, leaving a club where he had spent seven years was never going to erase the memories he created or the relationships he built during that period.
For Arsenal supporters, the possibility of Martinelli returning one day raises interesting questions about the club’s long-term attacking plans. Football can be unpredictable, and players who leave their former clubs sometimes return when circumstances change. However, a return would require more than affection for the club; Arsenal would need to believe that Martinelli could strengthen the squad, while the player would need to decide that returning to England was the right step for his career.
The Brazilian’s playing style would still offer qualities that could interest Arsenal. His pace can stretch opposition defences, his direct running creates space for teammates, and his willingness to press defenders fits the energetic approach that Arteta has often demanded from his attacking players.
Martinelli also understands the expectations associated with playing for Arsenal. Having experienced the pressure of competing for major honours, he would not need much time to understand the demands of the club or the intensity of the Premier League. That familiarity could prove valuable if a reunion ever became a realistic possibility.
However, Arsenal have continued to evolve, and the team cannot afford to make decisions based solely on nostalgia. Any future move would have to make sense from a sporting and financial perspective. The club would need to consider its existing attacking options, the player’s performances at Al-Hilal and whether the timing was right for both parties.
For now, Martinelli’s departure should be viewed as a completed transfer rather than the beginning of an imminent return. His reported openness to helping Arsenal if needed would be an encouraging sign for supporters, but it should not be confused with confirmation that negotiations are taking place.
Meanwhile, Martinelli will have his own ambitions to pursue in Saudi Arabia. Joining Al-Hilal gives him the opportunity to establish himself in a different footballing environment, compete for trophies and demonstrate that he can remain an influential player away from English football.
His performances there could also shape how the next stage of his career develops. A successful spell would strengthen his reputation and potentially increase his options in the future, whether those opportunities came in Saudi Arabia, Brazil or elsewhere.
For Arsenal, the priority will remain maintaining the strength of the squad and continuing the progress achieved under Arteta. The club has worked hard to build a team capable of competing at the highest level, and any future recruitment decision will need to support those ambitions.
Nevertheless, the emotional connection between Martinelli and Arsenal is difficult to ignore. Supporters watched him grow into an important player, celebrated his goals and witnessed his contribution during the club’s return to the top of English football. Those memories will remain part of his legacy at the Emirates Stadium regardless of where his career takes him.
If circumstances eventually create an opportunity for a reunion, Martinelli’s familiarity with Arsenal could make the prospect particularly interesting. A return would give him the chance to reconnect with a club that helped define his career, while supporters would have an opportunity to welcome back a player who contributed to one of the most successful periods in Arsenal’s recent history.
For the moment, however, there is no confirmed return deal, and Arsenal fans will have to wait to see whether the possibility ever develops into something concrete.
Martinelli’s story at Arsenal may have reached its first conclusion, but football has a way of producing unexpected reunions. If the Brazilian continues to perform well at Al-Hilal and Arsenal eventually decide they need his particular qualities, a future conversation cannot be ruled out.
Until then, his time in North London will be remembered for the goals, the determination and the contribution he made to Arsenal’s journey back to the top of English football.