BARCELONA are allegedly set to launch a sensational transfer swoop for Gabriel Martinelli as they “closely follow” the ace.
The Arsenal winger, 22, moved to the Emirates back in 2019 and after a number of injury issues he is now producing his top form.
The Brazilian has scored 20 goals and produced seven assists since the start of last season and is one of Mikel Arteta’s key men.
He remains under contract until 2027 but that is not stopping interest from mounting in him.
Mundo Deportivo claims that Barcelona see it as “necessary to sign a wing attacker for the left” during the summer transfer.
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And Martinelli is on a three-man shortlist of potential targets that they are plotting a move for.
Another Premier League attacker also joins him on the list.
Brighton’s Kaouru Mitoma is under contract until 2027 as well.
But the Japanese international’s explosive performance for the Seagulls has convinced Barcelona he can make the leap to a “great”.
Napoli’s Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, 23, is the other player being targeted, although he is also another under contact until 2027
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Martinelli already has some experience of Barcelona.
He was rejected by both them and Manchester United as a teenager following trials.
Discussing his brief stint with the LaLiga side, he told The Players' Tribune: “I went to La Masia in Barcelona.
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“I practised with Ansu Fati when I went there. We became friends and I stayed there for 15 days.
“Then it didn't work out either, they didn't want me. But four or five months later Arsenal signed me.”
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