Barcelona hold an interest in Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli, but they’re only likely to turn to him if moves for Marcus Rashford and Luis Diaz fail.
LONDON, ENGLAND: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on December 21, 2024. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images
Spanish outlet Sport report that FC Barcelona are currently pursuing Marcus Rashford and Luis Diaz, hoping to sign one of the two Premier League wingers this summer. But if both deals fail, they could turn to Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli.
Sport claim Barcelona will look at players like Martinelli and Kingsley Coman if they’re unable to afford the signing of Liverpool’s Diaz and Manchester United don’t agree to loan them Rashford.
Barcelona believe Rashford is on board to make the move to Spain, following meetings with his agent. But United would prefer to sell him outright, rather than loaning him.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND: Marco Asensio celebrates scoring his sides second goal with team mate Marcus Rashford during the Premier League match between Aston Villa FC and Chelsea FC at Villa Park on February 22, 2025. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
The pursuit of Rashford certainly isn’t dead yet. Barcelona are considering a compromise of a loan with an upfront loan fee and an option to buy at the end of the season.
But if United stand firm and refuse anything but an outright sale, Barcelona will withdraw from the race.
With Liverpool setting a very high asking price for Diaz, in light of interest from Saudi Arabia and their apparent desire to extend his contract, he could well be off the table as well. Suddenly, a move for Martinelli or Coman would look more likely.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 18: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Aston Villa FC at Emirates Stadium on January 18, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Reports from earlier this month have suggested that Martinelli remains part of Mikel Arteta’s plans for the future. The Brazilian winger has a contract lasting until 2027, and the Gunners hold an option to extend that to 2028.
In early conversations with Martinelli, new sporting director Andrea Berta has made it clear that the club intend to keep him.
Yet it’s also been suggested that could change if Arsenal receive a big offer of more than £50m. It’s not clear at this stage whether Barcelona would be willing to go that high.
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