HERE WE GO: Arsenal completes the deal to sign Europe’s most wanted winger as the star joins Gunners on seven-years deal
Arsenal are now showing interest in signing a £100m+ forward, having scouted him extensively in recent months, according to a report.
Gunners eyeing new wingers in summer transfer window.
Gabriel Martinelli has received criticism in recent times, with Jamie Carragher suggesting the Brazilian was one of the reasons the Gunners were unable to compete for the Premier League title.
However, the 23-year-old put in some improved performances towards the end of the campaign, with Gary Neville lauding his second-half display against Liverpool as “excellent”, and the left-winger appears to have caught the eye of one of Europe’s top clubs.
Indeed, there are now doubts over Martinelli’s future at the Emirates Stadium, with Barcelona believed to be interested in securing his signature, should the La Liga champions be unable to wrap up a deal for Liverpool star Luis Diaz.
The interest does not appear to be advanced as things stand, but should the Brazil international move on this summer, Mikel Arteta will need to bring in a replacement, and the manager could have a top-level option in mind.
That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Arsenal are now closely monitoring Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola, having scouted him extensively in recent months.
The champions of Europe have little interest in sanctioning a departure, however, which means it could be tricky to facilitate a deal, and Barcola is believed to be valued very highly, with the French club of the view he is worth around €100m -€120m (£84m – £101m).
Tottenham Hotspur are also in the race for the PSG star, but the Ligue 1 club are currently trying to tie him down to a new contract, which would ward off the interest from elsewhere.
Barcola needs starting role away from PSG
PSG secured their first Champions League in remarkable fashion against Inter Milan, thrashing the Italian giants 5-0 in Munich, and the French forward was lively after coming off the bench, albeit missing two big chances.
The PSG squad is stacked with talent, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia ultimately getting the nod over the 22-year-old, but scout Jacek Kulig is a big fan, describing him as “one of Ligue 1’s absolute stars and one of the most exciting talents in Europe”.
That description is justified by the France international’s performance across a number of important attacking metrics over the past year, particularly impressing with his knack for picking up assists.
As such, Barcola could be a fantastic replacement for Martinelli, should Barcelona press ahead with a move for the Arsenal winger, but it could be very difficult to get a deal done, given PSG’s eagerness to extend his contract at the Parc des Princes.
