Martinelli Joins Al Hilal, Talisca Set For Al Jazira And Al Rayyan Agree Otávio Deal

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From Al Hilal’s new-look attack to Al Jazira’s Brazilian firepower and Al Rayyan’s latest Middle East move, there’s plenty happening across regional sport. Gabriel Martinelli has officially joined Al Hilal from Arsenal, Anderson Talisca is set to sign for Al Jazira, and Al Rayyan have reached an agreement to sign Otávio from Al Qadsiah.

Gabriel Martinelli Joins Al Hilal As New-Look Front Three Takes Shape

What Is It About
Gabriel Martinelli has officially joined Al Hilal from Arsenal on a four-year deal, ending his seven-year spell in North London. The move is reportedly worth around £60 million, making the 25-year-old Arsenal’s record sale.

Why It Matters
Martinelli is the latest major addition in Al Hilal’s attack, joining fellow Premier League arrivals Crysencio Summerville and Ollie Watkins. It gives Simone Inzaghi a completely refreshed front line, with pace, direct running and different attacking profiles across the three positions.

What’s Next
Martinelli now arrives with Al Hilal’s new attacking trio starting to take shape. Summerville has already begun producing in Saudi Arabia, Watkins scored on his league debut, and Martinelli will now look to settle quickly as Al Hilal build around their new-look front three.

Anderson Talisca Set To Join Al Jazira

What Is It About
Anderson Talisca is set for a new chapter in the UAE after signing a two-year deal with Al Jazira, according to Globo Esporte. The Brazilian leaves Fenerbahçe after his contract was terminated by mutual consent.

Why It Matters
Talisca arrives in Abu Dhabi in strong form, having started the season with 5 goals in 7 appearances after scoring 27 goals in 45 games last season. He also knows Gulf football well after nearly four years with Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr.

What’s Next
Talisca joins an Al Jazira side that has started the ADNOC Pro League with three wins from three. With Malcom also arriving, Al Jazira now have two proven Brazilian attacking options before a major early-season test against Shabab Al Ahli.

Al Rayyan Reach Agreement To Sign Otávio

What Is It About
According to Fabrizio Romano, Qatar’s Al Rayyan have reached an agreement to sign Otávio from Al Qadsiah. The Portuguese midfielder’s medical is already booked, with the move given the green light to proceed.

Why It Matters
Otávio is set to continue his career in the Middle East after joining Al Nassr from Porto for around €60 million in 2023, before moving to Al Qadsiah in 2025. Reports say he is no longer part of Al Qadsiah’s plans, opening the door for a move to Qatar.

What’s Next
If completed, Al Rayyan will become Otávio’s third Middle East club, adding another experienced Portuguese midfielder to the Qatar Stars League.

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SMASHI MOMENTS

• Gabriel Martinelli has arrived in Riyadh as he closes in on a move from Arsenal to Al Hilal.⁠

• Darwin Núñez came inches away from a brilliant free-kick goal for Diriyah.⁠

• Ali Al-Bulayhi has brought his nine-year spell with Al Hilal to an end after the club and player agreed to terminate his contract by mutual consent

• Al Nassr U23 coaching staff was not allowed on the field, and was forced to attend from the stands.

• Salah was surrounded by fans in Hungary ahead of Trabzonspor’s match against Ferencvaros in the UEFA Europa League

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