Barcelona are reportedly interested in Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli and could try to exploit his shaky contract situation at the end of the season.
The Brazilian international is currently in action at the 2022 World Cup (opens in a new tab)where the Selecao will meet Croatia in the quarter-finals on Friday.
But in Spain there are speculations about his future Sport (opens in a new tab)report that Barça could make a move for the 21-year-old next summer.
Martinelli has been pursued by scouts from the Catalan club and the La Liga giants are closely watching the progress of contract negotiations with the Gunners.
The Brazilian’s current contract expires in 2024, meaning he will enter the final year of his contract next summer if he doesn’t renew.
Arsenal will be desperate to keep the youngster, who has scored five goals in 14 Premier League games this season to help Mikel Arteta’s side five points clear of the top spot.
Barcelona are still struggling financially, but managed to secure several impressive signings this summer after various financial “levers” were activated.
However, club director Jordi Cruyff admitted last week that he could not make signings in January. (opens in a new tab)
The idea of taking Martinelli on a cheap deal in the final year of his deal will therefore be appealing to the Catalans.
Martinelli played three times for Brazil in Qatar; He started the 1-0 defeat against Cameroon and came on as a substitute in wins against Serbia and South Korea.
