Gabriel Martinelli goes from being rejected by Barça B to the World Cup with Brazil
The Arsenal forward spent 15 days training with the Barça reserve side in October 2018 but coaches decided against signing him
The Barça B coaches who in October 2018 analysed Gabriel Martinelli's performance and believed he did not have the sporting ability to sign him owe Barcelona fans an explanation. Four seasons later, at the age of 21, the Arsenal striker is going to the Qatar World Cup with Brazil occupying the position that was expected to be reserved for Roberto Firmino (Liverpool).
His inclusion was the big surprise in the 26-man squad list announced today by Tite in Rio de Janeiro.
Martinelli's non-history with Barça was born in the 2018-19 season, when the then head of the South American market, André Cury, brought a promising striker from Ituano, then aged 17, to the Ciutat Esportiva de Sant Joan Despí for a period of adaptation.
Martinelli spent two weeks training with the Blaugrana reserve team. Apparently, nobody lifted a finger to sign him due to him having to return to Brazil to join Ituano's U-20 side, with whom he would play in the 2019 Sao Paulo Juniors Cup.
His non-signing was strictly based on sporting matters, as the right-footed striker, who can play both on the wing and as a 9, would join on loan at zero cost, with a non-mandatory option to buy.
In the summer of 2019, Arsenal had no hesitation in signing him. In his first season in England, in all competitions, he played 26 games in which he scored 10 goals and provided 3 assists. His performances garnered more attention.
Now, he has the opportunity to play his first World Cup with the Canarinha where he will share the frontline with a colleague of his in the Gunners, Gabriel Jesus. Mikel Arteta's side are having a phenomenal season so far, leading the Premiership by two points from Pep Guardiola's super City.
Arsenal quenched further doubts with a 1-0 win over Chelsea in the London derby. A goal from Brazilian centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes, who has missed out on the World Cup because Bremer (Juventus) has been called up in his place.
The Gunner forward, who also holds an Italian passport, has already attracted interest from other European giants given his flying start this season. His call-up for Qatar puts him even more in the limelight.
