Barcelona has added Gabriel Martinelli to its list of targets for reinforcing the attack in the 2026/27 season, according to Sports Illustrated magazine. The Arsenal striker is viewed by the Catalan club as an option to fill the void left by Marcus Rashford—whose loan spell is ending—and Robert Lewandowski, who is expected to depart the team.
Deco, the former player and current Barcelona sporting director, turned his attention to Martinelli after the club clinched the La Liga title on Sunday (May 10) with a 2-0 victory over Real Madrid. The Brazilian is under contract with Arsenal until June 2027 and has not yet begun renewal negotiations.
The forward is at a decisive moment with the English club. Besides competing in the Champions League final, Arsenal is close to winning the Premier League title, which would end a 20-year drought. Martinelli is also awaiting a call-up from Carlo Ancelotti for the Brazil national team squad for the World Cup, expected to be announced on May 18.
**João Pedro Also on Barcelona’s Radar**
Another Brazilian playing in England has caught the eye of the Catalan club for next season. João Pedro, of Chelsea, is a candidate to replace Lewandowski, according to the Spanish radio station Cadena SER.
The 24-year-old striker, who emerged from Fluminense’s youth system, joined the Blues in July 2025 for £55 million (approximately R$415 million at the time). Since then, he has impressed with the London club and played a decisive role in their Club World Cup triumph.