Barcelona are upset they missed out on Gabriel Martinelli after taking him on trial in January, according to reports in Spain.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 24: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal celebrates scoring the fifth goal during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium on September 24, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 24: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal celebrates scoring the fifth goal during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium on September 24, 2019, in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Mundo Deportivo reported that Barcelona are unhappy Martinelli ‘escaped’ from their grasp, with the feeling that they had a footballer of ‘great talent’ within reach and didn’t take advantage.

Barcelona had Martinelli on trial in January, and Manchester United also gave the youngster a chance on a trial basis on four separate occasions, but neither club decided to back that up with a permanent offer.

Arsenal did, paying just €6m for the 18-year-old’s services, which already looks like a bargain.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 30: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the Carabao Cup Round of 16 match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield on October 30, 2019 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 30: Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal during the Carabao Cup Round of 16 match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield on October 30, 2019 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Martinelli has scored seven goals and assisted two in 11 appearances (six starts) for the Gunners’ first-team this season and he’s progressed up into the Brazil u23 team ahead of the Olympics. Given he only turned 18 in June, there’s plenty of time for the teenager to keep developing.

Latest Arsenal injury updates and news

The Brazilian has a contract with Arsenal until 2024, and, if he continues to progress and get regular opportunities in the senior side, there’s no reason why Martinelli couldn’t be in North London for the long term.

The more that upsets the Barcelona hierarchy, the better.

Latest Arsenal injury updates and news