"He is..." - Martinelli has made his opinion very clear on Barcelona star linked with Arsenal

Arsenal are said to be interested in signing Ansu Fati this summer, and they may seek advice from 'good friend' Gabriel Martinelli.

Ansu Fati burst on to the scene in the 2019/20 season, drawing comparisons with Lionel Messi before eventually taking the Argentinian's number 10 shirt.

His form saw the club attach a €1 billion (£892m) release clause to his contract. However, the Spaniard has since fallen out of favour under Xavi, making just nine appearances for the Catalan side this season.

Despite Arsenal having already signed Leandro Trossard from Brighton in January, the Gunners are reportedly plotting a move for the versatile winger, who featured for his country at the World Cup.

Arsenal made contact with super-agent Jorge Mendes to enquire about the 20-year-old's availability this summer, report Spanish news outlet Cadena Cope.

With Fati currently on the fringes of Xavi's plans, Mikel Arteta is allegedly keen to take advantage of the situation and bring him to the Emirates.

Martinelli raves about Ansu-Fati

And he may call on current winger Gabriel Martinelli for some advice, with the Brazilian knowing Fati well from his time trialling with Barcelona.

He told Marca in 2020: “They (Barcelona) were very good, I made the most of it and did my best. Seeing how they train, knowing the structure of the club, the city … was a dream come true too.

“I even trained with Ansu Fati and we became friends.

“He helped me a lot there and now he’s playing on the main team. He is a boy who deserves everything good that is happening to him. He is super humble and welcomed me super well there.”

Manchester United are also said to be interested in signing the youngster.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, meanwhile, has claimed that Manchester United have 'excellent links' to Fati's agent, although no talks have taken place between the two clubs, or agents, at the moment.

Topics: Gabriel Martinelli, Ansu Fati, Arsenal, Barcelona, Mikel Arteta, Xavi, Premier League, La Liga, Football, Transfers

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno