Barcelona’s pursuit of ‘world-class’ Arsenal star depends on player Mikel Arteta tried to sign

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Arsenal are set to lose a number of players this summer as they balance the books.

Jorginho confirmed his Arsenal departure with an emotional farewell to supporters before joining Brazilian side Flamengo on a free transfer.

Mikel Arteta praised Kieran Tierney after the Arsenal defender scored on his final appearance against Southampton but is expected to join Celtic this month.

Oleksandr Zinchenko is another player expected to depart the Emirates Stadium this month and Barcelona have their eye on another member of Arteta’s squad. However, it could all depend on a previous Gunners transfer target…

READ MORE: Andrea Berta can still secure Thierry Henry’s dream signing this summer alongside Benjamin Sesko capture

Barcelona interest in Gabriel Martinelli dependent on Marcus Rashford move

As per Spanish news outlet SPORT, Barcelona could consider a move for Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli this summer if they cannot obtain other targets.

Their key target is a man Arteta was interested in signing back in the January transfer window – Marcus Rashford.

Arsenal made contact with Rashford but ultimately decided against pursuing a move with the England international spending the rest of the season on loan at Aston Villa.

The irony now is that should Rashford’s proposed move to Barcelona fall through, the Catalan giants will turn attentions to Martinelli, as well as Liverpool’s Luis Diaz and Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman.

Gabriel Martinelli’s uncertain Arsenal future

Martinelli’s value has plummeted in recent seasons and there is a growing feeling that he could depart the club this summer, especially after Leandro Trossard’s new Arsenal contract.

Arsenal fans think Martinelli is ‘world-class’ and would be devastated at losing a talent that was supposed to be a key figure in bringing trophies to the Gunners.

However, with Andrea Berta’s plan to be aggressive in the market and bring in the reinforcements needed this summer, a major figure may have to depart in order to comply with PSR rules.

It has not yet been confirmed that Martinelli is that star but Barcelona’s interest will now surely lurk in the background of the summer transfer window.