Barcelona transfer news LIVE: Striker agrees to join Lionel Messi, £101m purchase option

Gabriel Martinelli miss

Manchester United and Barcelona had a chance to sign Gabriel Martinelli for £7million in the summer.

The Brazilian forward scored his 10th goal of the season against Chelsea as the Gunners battled to a 2-2 draw with 10 men after David Luiz was sent off in the first half.

Martinelli was inundated with acclaim following the performance – but he could have been strutting his skills for United or Barca had they acted more quickly in the summer.

According to the Mirror, both European giants held an interest in Martinelli but were pipped to the post by Arsenal.

The Gunners took the gamble before their rivals, though, and sowed up a deal worth around £7m.

Lionel Messi rest

New Barcelona coach Quique Setien may opt to rest Lionel Messi for their Copa del Rey trip to Segunda B side UD Ibiza on Wednesday night.

Setien’s reign began with a 1-0 win over Granada on Sunday night and he will want to avoid any slip-ups in a tournament his side have won in five of the past eight seasons.

Speaking about his ability to convince Messi it might be best to sit out, Setien told Spanish media: “No-one can escape who Leo Messi is.

“With all the players, when I want something, I will try to convince them that it is best for them. I try to convince, rather than impose – they usually end up listening to me.”