Barcelona want ‘aggressive’ Gunners winger in €45m deal as Moroccan star tickles Mikel Arteta’s fancy
Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal in the summer of 2026, according to a speculative report in Spain, while the Gunners have been rejected in their bid to sign Real Madrid winger Brahim Diaz in the winter transfer window.
Arsenal are having a marvelous season, with Mikel Arteta’s side six points clear of second-placed Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table. The north London side also won all eight Champions League matches and reached the Carabao Cup final.
While Martinelli remains an important figure in Arteta’s team, the Brazilian international winger is now being used as an impact player.
Barcelona want Gabriel Martinelli
The 24-year-old has made just seven Premier League starts and just four Champions League starts for the Gunners so far this season.
According to SheetsBarcelona have been keen on Martinelli and view him as an ideal replacement for Raphinha.
The often speculative Spanish outlet claimed that with Saudi Pro League clubs interested in Raphinha, Barcelona had placed Martinelli on their list of potential replacements for the former Leeds United star.
Martinelli could be sold for €45m (£39m, $53m) in the summer of 2026, according to the report, which explains why Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick wants the Arsenal star.
The report notes: “Hansi Flick is looking for players who can attack space and create problems for opposing defenses through aggressive runs and late runs into the box.
“In FC Barcelona’s system, the Arsenal winger would provide a vital tactical option to break the deadlock in tight games or enhance deadly counter-attacks.
“Martinelli’s versatility allows him to play wide or drift inside, a quality which has impressed the Barcelona coaching staff.
“His defensive work rate is also a plus, as he maintains the physical intensity that the German coach demands of his attackers.”
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Arsenal suffer major blow in Brahim Diaz transfer
AfricaFootball revealed that Arsenal attempted to sign Brahim Diaz from Real Madrid on the final day of the winter transfer window.
The report notes that Arsenal took “a last-minute approach” to secure Diaz’s services.
The Gunners wanted an attacking option “capable of providing an immediate solution” for Arsenal manager Arteta.
The report claims that Real Madrid have turned down Arsenal’s approach for the 26-year-old Moroccan international winger.
Arsenal’s approach was “met with a categorical refusal from Real Madrid”, according to the report.
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Sandro Tonali prefers Arsenal
Sources have told TEAMtalk transfer insider Graeme Bailey that Arsenal were offered the chance to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United on the final day of the winter transfer window.
The Gunners were looking for a new midfielder following Mikel Merino’s injury.
While Tonali still remains at Newcastle, his agent has admitted the Italian could leave in the summer of 2026.
Arsenal are still keen on Tonali, who according to Football transferswould rather move to the Emirates Stadium than join Manchester City or Chelsea.