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Barcelona keeping tabs on Arsenal attacking midfielder Gabriel Martinelli ahead of potential summer switch

Barcelona are interested in signing Arsenal attacking midfielder Gabriel Martinelli instead of his Liverpool counterpart Mohamed Salah this summer, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo.

The La Liga club want a left winger and are convinced that the Brazil international is perfect for the job.

Martinelli plays predominantly on the left for Arsenal, and while Salah regularly plays on the right, the Egypt international can also play on the opposite side.

Barca believe the 31-year-old is the best attacker when it comes to being able to play on both wings, but they know that they cannot afford his wages amid his link to the Saudi Pro League.

As a result, they are now following Martinelli closely and are expected to launch a concrete move when the transfer window reopens in the summer.

The 22-year-old is out of contract in 2027 and has established himself as a key player for the Gunners, with 20 league goals and seven assists to his name since the start of last season.

Arsenal recently handed him a new contract extension and are unlikely to entertain offers from suitors for his services anytime soon.

Brazilians have always been attracted to La Liga, with Real Madrid and Barcelona often poaching some of the best talents from the footballing nation, but Martinelli is unlikely to be tempted to leave the North London club right now.

The Gunners have become Premier League title challengers under manager Mikel Arteta and he is playing regularly and improving under the tutelage of the Spaniard.

Despite being a European heavyweight, Barca no longer have the pulling power they once used to have, and they are unlikely to succeed in their plans to lure Martinelli away from the Emirates Stadium club.

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