Mikel Arteta has reportedly left the door open for Gabriel Martinelli to return to Arsenal someday, sparking excitement among supporters who still remember the Brazilian winger’s contribution during his time at the Emirates Stadium.
The Arsenal manager’s comments have reignited discussions about whether the club could eventually welcome back one of its former attacking stars following his departure to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
Martinelli spent seven years at Arsenal after joining the club from Brazilian side Ituano in 2019. During that period, he developed from a promising young forward into an established Premier League attacker, earning recognition for his pace, direct running, work rate and ability to score important goals. His departure in September 2026 marked the end of a significant chapter in his career, but the possibility of a future return would undoubtedly attract attention from Arsenal supporters.
Arsenal’s relationship with the winger, his previous performances and the affection many supporters have for him would make any future reunion an interesting possibility.
Martinelli’s departure was not simply the loss of another squad player. For many Arsenal supporters, he represented an important part of the club’s rebuilding process under Arteta. He arrived as a relatively unknown young talent and gradually established himself in a team that eventually returned to the top of English football.
His journey demonstrated Arsenal’s willingness to identify talented players, develop their abilities and give them opportunities to perform at the highest level. Although his time at the Emirates eventually came to an end, his contribution to the club’s progress remains an important part of his story.
The Brazilian winger’s move to Al-Hilal was confirmed in September 2026 in a deal reported to be worth approximately £60 million, making him Arsenal’s record sale. The transfer followed a summer in which the Gunners reshaped their attacking department, with several forwards departing as the club adjusted its squad for the new season.
Martinelli’s exit also raised questions about Arsenal’s long-term plans on the left wing. The club had already brought in Christos Tzolis as part of its attacking changes, while Arteta faced the challenge of ensuring that his remaining forwards could provide the creativity, movement and goals needed to compete across multiple competitions.
Despite the financial and sporting considerations behind the transfer, Martinelli’s departure did not erase the connection he had built with the club and its supporters.
During his time in North London, Martinelli became known for his fearless approach to attacking defenders. His speed allowed him to threaten opponents in transition, while his willingness to press and track back made him useful in Arteta’s demanding tactical system.
He was also capable of producing decisive moments in important matches. His direct style often gave Arsenal an alternative when opponents defended deep, and his ability to carry the ball into dangerous areas helped create opportunities for his teammates.
Those qualities explain why the possibility of a future return would attract attention. Arsenal supporters know what Martinelli can offer when he is confident and performing well, and some would welcome the opportunity to see him wearing the club’s shirt again.
However, a potential reunion would depend on several factors, including his performances at Al-Hilal, his contractual situation and Arsenal’s needs when the opportunity arises.
Martinelli is understood to have signed a four-year contract with the Saudi Arabian club. That means any return to Arsenal in the immediate future would likely require negotiations between the two clubs, as well as a decision from the player about where he wants to continue his career.
Arsenal would also need to determine whether bringing him back would make sporting and financial sense. Football clubs must consider more than a player’s previous achievements when deciding whether to pursue a returning former star. Age, form, wages, transfer fees and tactical suitability can all influence such a decision.
Nevertheless, Martinelli’s familiarity with Arsenal could be an advantage if a reunion ever became realistic. Having already spent years working under Arteta, he understands the manager’s expectations, the demands of the Premier League and the pressure associated with representing a club competing for major honours.
That experience could make a return easier than joining a completely unfamiliar environment, although it would not guarantee that he would immediately regain his previous position in the squad.
Arteta’s own approach to squad building would also be an important consideration. The Arsenal manager has consistently emphasised the importance of maintaining high standards and ensuring that every player contributes to the team’s collective objectives.
If Martinelli were ever to return, he would need to demonstrate that he could still offer the qualities Arsenal required. His previous relationship with the manager might help, but his place would ultimately depend on his performances and the options available at the time.
The situation also highlights the changing nature of modern football. Players sometimes leave major European clubs to pursue new opportunities, experience a different footballing environment or take on a fresh challenge. Such moves do not necessarily mean that their relationship with their former clubs must end permanently.
In Martinelli’s case, his departure to Al-Hilal represented a new chapter after seven years in England. Whether that chapter eventually leads him back to the Premier League remains uncertain.
For Arsenal supporters, the prospect of seeing him return would carry an emotional dimension. They watched him develop, celebrate goals and contribute to a team that achieved significant success. A future reunion could therefore be about more than simply adding another winger to the squad.
It would also represent the return of a player who understands the club’s culture and has already experienced the expectations of playing at the Emirates Stadium.
However, Arsenal cannot build their transfer strategy around nostalgia. The club’s priority must remain strengthening the squad in positions where improvements are needed. If Martinelli eventually becomes available and fits those requirements, a return could be considered, but it would depend on the circumstances at that time.
For now, the Brazilian must focus on establishing himself at Al-Hilal and continuing his development. Strong performances in Saudi Arabia could maintain his reputation as a dangerous attacking player and potentially create more opportunities in the future.
Meanwhile, Arsenal will continue working to ensure that their current attacking options can deliver the results expected of a club competing for major trophies.
The possibility of Martinelli returning someday will remain an interesting subject for supporters, particularly those who believe his story at Arsenal may not be completely finished.
Whether such a reunion happens in two years, four years or never at all is impossible to predict. Much will depend on the player’s ambitions, his performances and Arsenal’s future recruitment plans.
Ultimately, Martinelli’s time at Arsenal established a connection that will not disappear simply because he has moved to another club. He arrived as a young Brazilian prospect and departed as an established player who had helped the Gunners through an important period in their development.
If circumstances eventually align, a return to the Emirates Stadium could become a possibility worth exploring. Until there is a confirmed statement from Arteta or an official indication of interest from Arsenal, however, supporters should treat the suggestion of a future reunion as speculation rather than a confirmed transfer plan.
For now, Martinelli’s Arsenal chapter has closed, but football has repeatedly shown that former players can return to the clubs where they made their names. Whether the Brazilian will one day follow that path remains one of the intriguing questions surrounding his future.