Just the other day, reports about Leeds United’s interest in Brazilian sensation Gabriel Martinelli came out. However, the Whites seem to be lagging behind in the race if the latest reports from Hull Live are to be believed. The report adds that Arsenal are preparing a £7m bid for the 17-year-old to lure him to the Emirates.
Leeds United and Middlesbrough are also said to be interested, but Arsenal seems to be leading the race at the moment. One can understand why United might want to hold back slightly with their transfer plan as they don’t know yet which division they might end up playing in in the upcoming season.
On current form and with their position in the table, they are favourites to move to the Premier League via the automatic promotion spots. But things can turn quickly if a few results don’t go in favour of the Whites. A move to the Premier League can bring a financial windfall at the club, and one can expect the Whites to target some top talents in the summer.
We highly doubt that Martinelli would want to join a second division outfit when clubs like Arsenal and even Barcelona are interested in him. Therefore the only way Bielsa can get his man is by ensuring a move to the English top flight.
Martinelli currently plies his trade for Ituano in the Brazilian league, and the striker has already shown that he is matured beyond his years. His finishing and dribbling skills are top notch, and even though he hasn’t played any football outside of his home country, clubs like Arsenal are willing to shell out £7m for a 17-year-old.
Leeds United though are currently one of the best clubs for any youngster to join as Bielsa has shown that he isn’t afraid to give them opportunities. The Whites have discovered quite a few talents and none more so than Jack Clarke, who has caught the eye of everyone. At 18, the Englishman has started to play regular football at the top level. And there is no better way to develop a young player than to get them playing actual matches.
Therefore that is one thing which might go in favour of the West Yorkshire outfit when it comes to luring someone like Martinelli as the Whites can probably give him a ticket to senior team football sooner. However, Arsenal too are a club who have had a history of promoting young talents. Therefore the Whites might be slightly concerned about the fact that the Gunners are already planning to put in a £7m bid.
