Why Martinelli was happy to leave Arsenal this summer

Gabriel Martinelli was one of the longest-serving members of the Arsenal team when he helped them win the league title at the end of last season, and the Brazilian wanted to remain at the club. He had spent several years with the Gunners and was willing to continue contributing as they looked to build on their success.

With Arsenal entering what could be a very successful period following their league triumph last term, Martinelli was prepared to stay and help the team maintain its progress. His desire was to continue playing for the club despite the changes taking place around the squad.

Martinelli’s Arsenal departure

However, Arsenal decided to cash in on Martinelli, and after the World Cup ended, they pushed the attacker towards leaving the club. He rejected a move to Galatasaray before eventually agreeing to join Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League.

Martinelli will be one of the best-paid players on the planet at his new club, giving him a significant financial incentive to make the move. However, the Brazilian also believed that the time was right for him to leave Arsenal after seven years in North London.

His agent, Marcos Casseb, has now explained that they felt Martinelli had reached the end of his cycle at Arsenal when the previous campaign concluded. The decision came after a lengthy spell at the club, during which Martinelli developed from a young player into an important member of the squad.

(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Agent explains Martinelli’s decision

Casseb pointed to the major changes Arsenal experienced during Martinelli’s time at the club, including the rebuilding process under Mikel Arteta. The Brazilian arrived at the club when he was 18 and remained through a significant period of transformation.

Marcos Casseb said via Sport Witness: “We think his cycle at Arsenal had ended. It was seven years, he arrived there at 18, and Arsenal went through a huge rebuild. Last year they were Premier League champions,” he said.

“I think he completed his cycle. He arrived young. He was the only player who was there before Arteta, apart from Saka, who came through the academy.”

Martinelli’s departure therefore marked the conclusion of a long period with Arsenal, despite his initial desire to remain. His agent believes the timing was right for the Brazilian to begin the next stage of his career elsewhere.

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