Martinelli on the radar, Premier League club favourites to sign Kessie next summer

Barcelona have begun zeroing in on reinforcements for next summer, as they are unlikely to make new signings in the winter transfer window.

The Catalan giants’ humiliating exit from this season’s Champions League group stage has forced them into the transfer market in January. However, the chances are low for incomings unless they sell a chunk of players.

Memphis Depay looks as the only player who could leave Camp Nou in January, with Barca keen on getting him off a bloated wage bill.

Here is the latest transfer round-up of the Catalan club.

Barca monitoring Gabriel Martinelli

Barcelona have identified Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli as one of the potential targets for next summer.

According to Sport, the Catalan giants are monitoring the Brazilian attacker, who is currently with Tite’s side in Qatar World Cup 2022.

Martinelli has been instrumental in the Gunners’ dominance in the Premier League this season, racking up five goals and two assists in 14 games.

The 21-year-old, who has appeared in three games in the World Cup, has a contract running until 2024, and the Gunners have the option to extend his stay for a further two years.

Barca might find it difficult to persuade Martinelli, who has spoken of his desire to continue his progress at the Emirates Stadium.

The Brazilian winger could be seen as a potential replacement for Ousmane Dembele. The French winger’s contract expires in the summer of 2024, and there is a reported €50 million release clause in his deal which will become active at the end of this season.

Tottenham Hotspur in pole position to sign Franck Kessie

Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as the favourites to sign Franck Kessie, suggests another report from Sport.

Kessie is having a debut season to forget in La Liga, failing to become a regular in Xavi’s squad.

The Ivory Coast international has been linked with an exit in the January transfer window. However, Barca are reportedly determined to keep him this season and prefer to sell him next summer.

Serie A giants Inter Milan and Napoli are also in the race for the former AC Milan star, but Spurs are in pole position to sign him next summer.

Antonio Conte’s side are exploring a loan move with an option to buy for the 25-year-old.