Arsenal have informed Barcelona of their £39m asking price for Gabriel Martinelli as the Gunners prepare to reshape their squad this summer. The club also expect to complete Piero Hincapie’s permanent signing for £51m after his impressive loan spell. According to Football365.com.
Arsenal price Martinelli at £39m as Barcelona circle and Hincapie deal advances
Barcelona are exploring a move for Gabriel Martinelli after learning Arsenal’s asking price of around £39m for the Brazil international. The Catalan giants view the winger as a “unique market opportunity” and believe they can offer him regular playing time that Arsenal cannot currently provide.
Martinelli has endured a frustrating campaign under Mikel Arteta, starting just eight Premier League matches this season. The Brazilian has primarily been used as a rotation option, with Arsenal’s summer spending spree of over £250m on new additions further limiting his opportunities in the starting lineup.
Barcelona consider Arsenal to be “seriously considering selling some assets to finance new signings” as the Gunners plan to revamp their wing positions. The Spanish club believes selling Martinelli for around £39m would allow Arsenal to balance their books while generating significant revenue for their own transfer activities.
Meanwhile, Football Transfers report that Arsenal “expect to complete” the permanent signing of Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie this summer. The Gunners are ready to pay €52m for the Ecuador international, bringing the combined cost including his loan fee to €58m (£51m).
Arsenal are prepared to offer Hincapie a four-year contract worth £100,000 per week, with an option for an additional year. The defender has impressed sufficiently during his loan spell to convince the club he represents a worthwhile long-term investment in their defensive restructuring plans.
