FC Barcelona have been reportedly scouting Arsenal youngster Gabriel Martinelli at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with the La Liga giants keeping track of the winger’s contract situation with the north London side.
According to Sport, the Blaugrana have been keeping tabs on Martinelli throughout the attacker’s time in Qatar, with the winger impressing in Brazil’s 1-0 loss against Cameroon as well as in this week’s 4-1 win against South Korea in the round of 16.
Lauded by Brazilian media as ‘dangerous’, Martinelli has proven to be yet another incredible tool in Tite’s arsenal for the World Cup. And now, Barcelona are keeping a close eye on the north London superstar, who this season at club level has been in outstanding form.
Martinelli, alongside Bukayo Saka, has formed an incredibly effective front-three spearheaded by Gabriel Jesus, with the Sao Paulo-born wonderkid bagging five goals in the Premier League and establishing himself as one of the best young players in all of Europe.
However, as stated by the report, Arsenal are yet to agree to a new contract with Martinelli, which could open the door for Barcelona to sign the 21-year-old way below his market value. Though as per Sport, there’s confidence from all parties that the forward will commit to the Gunners.
Indeed, with Barcelona now scouting Martinelli, this update should be the kick up the backside Arsenal need to accelerate contract talks with the Brazilian international, with the forward simply too good to leave the north London side at this stage of his career.
Arsenal must do everything they can to stop Martinelli joining Barcelona
Mikel Arteta’s rebuilding of Arsenal has centred around constructing an XI filled with young players who can grow and develop together as a team, and Martinelli has been one the main pillars for this project out on the left wing. Which is why the Gunners must do all they can to stop the attacker from joining Barcelona.
Whilst talk of a new contract has been positive, there’s still yet to be any real concrete moves in Arsenal tying Martinelli down to a long-term deal. And with Barcelona now keeping tabs, the Gunners are in a race against time to tie the wonderkid down for the long-term.
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