According to the latest reports from Bristol Post, Leeds United are going head to head with Premier League clubs to secure the signature of Brazilian sensation Gabriel Martinelli. The reports add that the Whites have been keeping tabs on this 17-year-old who is also wanted by the likes of Arsenal and Watford. The youngster currently plies his trade for Brazilian outfit Ituano.
The same report adds that Bielsa and Co are hoping that they can lure this young striker to Elland Road over some top clubs as they might be able to give him more game time in the first team. Plus working under a legendary manager like Bielsa can also attract young players around the globe.
Moreover, the way Bielsa has streamlined youngsters in the United team this season should make Elland Road one of the best destinations for youngsters to play at right now. The Argentine manager hasn’t been afraid of giving them chances and the likes of Jack Clarke, Jamie Shackleton, Aapo Halme etc have done exceedingly well.
Martinelli is currently one of the brightest prospects in Brazilian football and is rated at £10m. So for a player who hasn’t played outside of Brazil and who is just 17, that is quite a steep price. But such is his talent that quite a few clubs would be willing to pay such an amount.
There were even reports that the youngster had a trial at Barcelona and if reports from Globo Esporte are to go by then the La Liga heavyweights are keen to sign him during the summer. When a club like Barcelona is interested, United’s task could be cut out.
There is no doubt that if United wants to have any chance of signing the Brazilian forward, they need to move to the Premier League. Maybe the prospect of playing first-team football sooner might tip the scales in favour of the West Yorkshire outfit. But as of now, we feel that they are going to have an outside chance if Barcelona are firmly interested in him.
At just 17, Martinelli shows great maturity in front of goal and is an able finisher. Like most Brazilians, the young prodigy has a flair to his game, and he can thrive on the flanks as well given his dribbling skills. But the youngster is at his best when he starts up front. There is no doubt that he would be a much more familiar name in a few years time. It remains to be seen whether United would be able to get their hands on this prodigal talent.
