In a recent report, Sport stated that Barcelona are eyeing a move for Arsenal wing wizard Gabriel Martinelli. It has been mentioned that the Catalan are hoping to land the Argentine attacker from the Gunners as they look to bolster their attack for the future.
Martinelli’s Impressive Form In English Football This Season
Martinelli is having a brilliant campaign at the Emirates Stadium as he has produced a handful of influential displays for the North London club in the final third. The 21-year-old has banged in five goals and picked up a couple of assists in 20 matches for Mikel Arteta’s side this season in multiple competitions.
The talented wide player has been a consistent performer in the final third based on his average of 2.4 shots, 1.6 key passes and 2.0 dribbles per game in the Premier League. He has even been accurate when distributing the ball in the opponent’s half after completing 85.1% of his attempted passes in the English top-flight (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the London club is set to expire in the summer of 2024. Hence, Barca might have a good chance of recruiting him on the cheap next year if Arsenal fail to tie him down to a new contract.
What Will Martinelli Add To Barcelona Boss Xavi’s Team?
Martinelli can use his pace to get the better of his marker out on the wide areas. He can get to the byline and deliver some inviting crosses into the opponent’s penalty box. Martinelli is primarily a left-sided wide player but can also play on the right flank or as a centre-forward if his manager asks him to do so.
The Argentine sensation is a decent finisher in front of the opposition goal and can create some inviting chances for others around him. He will be a great fit for Xavi‘s style of play at the Nou Camp and would add some serious competition for Ousmane Dembele and Ansu Fati for a regular starting spot at the Catalan club. At 21, the Argentine has the ceiling to become a generational talent in the future.
We can expect Martinelli to add plenty of pace and goals to Barcelona’s frontline. He could even help Barca challenge for some top honours over the next decade. Thus, Xavi should focus on trying everything he can to lure Martinelli to Catalonia when the transfer reopens at the start of next year or at the end of this campaign.
