Barcelona are reportedly set to launch a sensational transfer swoop for Arsenal starlet Gabriel Martinelli as the Spanish giants search for a new winger.
That is according to Mundo Deportivo, as relayed by Sport Witness, Arsenal sensation Gabriel Martinelli is being “closely followed” by Barcelona, with the Brazilian starlet among several targets on the Spanish giants’ shortlist this upcoming summer window.
The 22-year-old moved to the Emirates back in 2019 from Brazilian outfit Ituano Futebol Clube for a fee of around £6 million, and after a series of injury issues, he is now producing his top form. He has established himself as a key player for the Gunners of late, with 20 league goals and seven assists to his name since the start of last season.
He has been one of the best forwards in the Premier League, scoring five goals and claiming three assists for the Gunners so far this season. He remains under contract until 2027, but that is not stopping interest from mounting in him.
Barcelona want Gabriel Martinelli
Barcelona have made signing a new left winger a priority this summer, following the departure of Ousmane Dembele to PSG. The Blaugrana would ideally like to sign Mohamed Salah, although that is impossible due to the finances required, so they have turned their attention to alternative options.
The Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo believe Martinelli is on the shortlist, along with Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma.
Martinelli signed a new contract with Arsenal in March last year and is under contract with the Gunners until 2027, with the option to extend by another year, so the Gunners’ are in a pretty strong negotiating position, and it would be a major surprise if Barcelona managed to sign the South American wing-wizard.
As such, Barcelona know they must sell if they are to tempt Arsenal with a serious offer, and they are ready to sell Raphinha to raise some much-needed cash this summer. However, as things stand, the rumour of the Catalans making a move for Martinelli seems to have no legs to it and is almost impossible to foresee given the club’s perilous financial situation.
