Spanish giants Barcelona have been keeping a close eye on proceedings at Arsenal in recent months, and are keen on several figures within the club.
Manager Mikel Arteta was linked with a move to Barcelona, whom he previously played for, but he strongly denied these rumours last month.
Barcelona manager Xavi is set to step down at the end of the season, but the club want to strengthen their options on the wing, and have now been linked with Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli.
The winger has had an inconsistent season overall, but has thrived in recent weeks as his pace has proven very useful for Arteta, with Kai Havertz even labelling him as the fastest player at the club.
Barcelona are interested in Gabriel Martinelli
A report from Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo has claimed that Barcelona are following Martinelli “very closely,” as they aim to strengthen their options on the left wing.
They currently have Ferran Torres and Joao Felix at their disposal, but want a natural left-sided attacker, and are also monitoring Kaoru Mitoma of Brighton.
Despite it not yet known who will be manager next season, it is a position they want to strengthen in with a young, speedy attacker, and Martinelli certainly fits the bill if they are able to sign him.
Arsenal should not let Gabriel Martinelli join Barcelona
Martinelli’s importance to the team has grown, and it would be a major blow to lose the 22-year-old now.
His speed is now “key” to the system, and helps get the best out of goalkeeper David Raya, who targets him with long passes to start fast break attacks.
The Brazil International signed a long-term, £180k-a-week contract last season, and Barcelona’s difficult financial situation may mean a move is unlikely to materialise for now.
It would take an outrageous fee for Arsenal to even consider his exit, and with the club already keen on winger for extra depth, with Nico Williams linked, the last thing Arteta would want to do now is lose a starter.
Martinelli joined Arsenal as a teenager straight from the Brazilian lower leagues in 2019, and quickly blossomed into one of the best wingers in the Premier League.
He has notched up seven goals and three assists in all competitions this season, having scored 15 league goals last season as one of the club’s best players in their title challenge.
The attacker has also delivered in big games, with winning goals against both Liverpool and Manchester City in this campaign alone, and Arsenal fans will hope that they can watch him continue to develop for years to come.
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