Barcelona's latest transfer pursuit could UNLOCK Arsenal's dream signing

Cameron Smith

• 16 Feb 2024 00:43 CST
• 4 min read

Barcelona are reportedly hoping to sign an elite left winger this summer as they prepare for Xavi’s exit as head coach.

The Blaugrana are currently searching for a replacement to take over in the Camp Nou dugout ahead of the 2024-25 season, with Hansi Flick, Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel all linked.

Finances have been limited in Catalunya in recent years, but Mundo Deportivo have reported that Barcelona are eyeing up a mega summer move as they look to bring in a new left winger.

Their El Clasico rivals Real Madrid are close to reaching an agreement to sign Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer, following his decision to leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer, and Barca need to react or they run the risk of falling further behind Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Gabriel Martinelli, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Kaoru Mitoma are the three left wingers on their transfer wish-list. Ansu Fati may also be brought back into the fold after his loan spell at Brighton & Hove Albion, but that option is not Barcelona’s first choice.

Nico Williams is also admired by those in charge at Barcelona, however he recently renewed his contract at Athletic Club and appears more likely to join a Premier League club if he leaves the Basque side.

Gabriel Martinelli to leave Arsenal for Barcelona?

It is extremely far-fetched, but Barcelona’s interest could see Martinelli depart Arsenal.

The Brazil international signed a contract extension last year, meaning his current deal runs until 2027, and Barcelona are unlikely to be able to match Arsenal’s valuation this summer.

The 22-year-old has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €62 million at present, while Mikel Arteta’s side would demand a higher fee than that to sanction the sale of one of their key players.

As a result, it’s hard to imagine Martinelli leaving Arsenal for Barcelona in 2024.

However, if the Blaugrana are able to lodge an offer that is deemed acceptable by the Gunners, it could lead to Rafael Leao ending up at the Emirates Stadium.

The Portuguese winger has been a long-term target for Arsenal, but Martinelli’s presence and AC Milan’s valuation means a deal has never materialised. However, that could change this summer if Barcelona are serious about signing Martinelli.

PSG are also interested in Leao as they prepare for Mbappe’s exit, but Arsenal may be a more exciting prospect right now.

The Gunners are better placed to challenge for the Champions League than a PSG side without Mbappe and Leao could be the missing piece to fire them to Premier League glory too.

His €175m release clause at San Siro would likely be out of Arsenal’s price range, but they may be able to negotiate a lower fee with Milan using any potential money that Barcelona offer for Martinelli.

Leao may have only scored four goals during his last 25 games for club and country, but he also has six assists during that time and his all-round game has been mightily impressive.

A move to Arteta’s side looked to be over given Martinelli has that spot locked down, but with Barcelona interested in the Brazilian, it could unlock Leao to Arsenal this summer.