La Liga heavyweights Barcelona are reportedly tracking the performances of in-form Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli at the World Cup.
According to a report by Spanish publication SPORT, Gabriel Martinelli has emerged on the radar of Barcelona. The Catalan giants are monitoring his performances closely at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. And they already have a healthy relationship with the entourage of the in-form Arsenal forward.
Gabriel Martinelli took some time to stamp his authority at Arsenal. The 21-year-old joined the Gunners as a prodigious teenager from Ituano in July 2019. And he has well and truly come into his own this season as one of the pioneers of Mikel Arteta’s youth revolution at Arsenal.
The Brazilian international has five goals and two assists in 20 appearances across all competitions. And Martinelli has also featured thrice for Brazil at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, making his mark on the biggest stage. In addition, the player’s progress has captured the attention of Barcelona.
Barcelona bolstered the offensive unit heavily in the two transfer windows this year. The Blaugrana brought in Ferran Torres, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha. In addition, Ousmane Dembele committed his future to Barcelona, while Ansu Fati regained his fitness.
But amid uncertainties surrounding the future of Memphis Depay, Barcelona will likely enter the market for a wide attacker next year. Depay is keen on leaving Barcelona in the January transfer window. But the Blaugrana will not have the funds to pursue a top forward this coming winter.
Martinelli has thus emerged as a viable target to pursue in the summer transfer window. The Catalan giants are closely following his contract situation as he will enter the final year of his Arsenal deal next summer. But the Brazilian international is in advanced talks with Arsenal over a renewal.
Barcelona will unlikely have a shortage of targets to bolster the wide-attacking slots. And recent reports have linked them with Cody Gakpo. But Barcelona will hope to prise Martinelli from Arsenal after establishing a healthy relationship with his entourage. It will be interesting to see if the 21-year-old commits his future to Arsenal amid rising interest from high-profile clubs.
