Barcelona have opened talks to sign a €45m-rated Arsenal attacker as Hansi Flick pushes for a statement reinforcement.
The Blaugrana are ramping up their transfer planning amid a grueling schedule and persistent Saudi interest in their star right-winger, seeking a dynamic Premier League talent to inject pace and goals on the left flank.
Hansi Flick’s high-pressing system demands versatile forwards capable of exploiting spaces, and with Raphinha’s future uncertain, the club eyes a proactive replacement to maintain attacking depth across competitions.
That attacker is Gabriel Martinelli, the 23-year-old Brazilian whose transitional phase at Arsenal has opened the door for Barcelona’s advances.
Talks remain in the monitoring phase with Martinelli’s camp, but interest is “genuine,” per Fichajes, with negotiations potentially heating up soon.
With his Emirates contract expiring in 2027, Martinelli enters a make-or-break summer where his €45 million valuation makes him an attractive investment for Joan Laporta’s board.
No longer an undisputed starter under Mikel Arteta—often rotating or subbing on—the winger has still dazzled with 10 goals and 2 assists in just 1,297 minutes this season, showcasing lethal efficiency that aligns perfectly with Barça’s needs.
Martinelli’s explosive speed, aggressive dribbling, and vertical runs embody Flick’s ideal profile, offering tactical flexibility to hug the touchline or cut inside while contributing defensively in high-intensity pressing.
Analysts at Barcelona view him as the antidote to tight defences, capable of unlocking transitions and counterattacks alongside Lamine Yamal on the opposite side.
His European pedigree—Champions League experience and Premier League grind—adds maturity to his youth, fitting seamlessly into a squad blending stars and prospects.
Securing Martinelli would signal bold intent, fortifying Flick’s attack for title hunts in La Liga, Copa del Rey semis, and beyond. The summer window looms large—what a statement signing it would be.
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