Gabriel Martinelli's agent breaks silence on Arsenal exit

The agent of Gabriel Martinelli has clarified that Arsenal did not force the Brazilian out of the club during the summer transfer window.

Martinelli left the Gunners for Al-Hilal earlier this month after the Saudi Pro League giants agreed to pay £60 million for the 25-year-old.

Initial claims suggested Martinelli was being forced out of the club, and his teammates were not pleased with the Gunners' handling of the situation.

However, Martinelli's representative, Marcos Casseb, clarified that his client was open to a new challenge, and the Gunners felt the same way.

He added that the winger had offers from Italy, Germany as well as the option to stay in the Premier League but chose a new challenge in Asia.

Casseb said: "We felt it was time for him to leave, and Arsenal saw it the same way. It was a very good departure for Martinelli and for Arsenal."

"He had offers from Italian and German clubs and other clubs in the Premier League, but moved to Al-Hilal, the biggest club in Asia, to be part of a very ambitious project."

Martinelli was a specialist left winger throughout his Arsenal career, but he has operated exclusively from the right flank for Al-Hilal thus far.

The attacker has had a fine start to the campaign with three goals in four matches and has already proved a fantastic signing for the Saudi giants.