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

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.

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.

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.