Gabriel Martinelli is reportedly a target for Championship title-chasers Leeds United and Premier League powerhouses Arsenal.
Arsenal have given the green light ahead of a bid for Brazilian starlet Gabriel Martinelli, according to Goal, which makes Leeds United’s task all the more difficult.
A 17-year-old midfielder who plays in Brazil’s top flight for FC Ituano, Martinelli has emerged as the latest Samba starlet and appears to be heading to England in the summer.
Goal reports that Arsenal’s board have signed off on a deal to bring the teenager to the Emirates although the price remains a sticking point so far. The Gunners are allegedly willing to pay £4.5 million, but Ituano want closer to £9 million for a player who is applying for an Italian passport to smooth through a move to Britain.
This comes just a few days after Leeds were linked with a move to bring Martinelli to Elland Road.
TEAMtalk reported that the highly-rated goal-scoring midfielder was a shock target for the Championship title-chasers and, at £9 million, he would become their most expensive signing since Robbie Fowler arrived from Liverpool in 2001.
Leeds’ director of football Victor Orta has made it his mission to bring some of Europe’s most talented youngsters to West Yorkshire and Martinelli certainly fits the bill.
But what chance do Leeds have with a genuine Premier League giant like Arsenal in the race?
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