Middlesbrough transfer rumours: Barcelona issue a firm message on Boro and Leeds target

Barcelona are reportedly ‘kicking themselves’ having missed out on former Middlesbrough target Gabriel Martinelli.
Gabriel MartinelliGabriel Martinelli
Gabriel Martinelli

The Brazilian forward was heavily linked the Catalan giants – as well as Boro, Leeds and Watford – throughout the summer months, before eventually sealing a switch to Arsenal.

And having netted seven times in nine appearances already during his time with the Gunners, Barcelona have reportedly expressed their disappointment at missing out on Martinelli.

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Barcelona had taken the striker on trial but declined against offering him a deal – allowing Arsenal to close a deal for the youngster.

And Mundo Deportivo now claim that the Nou Camp outfit are ‘upset’ that they failed to act on their intuition and snap the striker up.

Boro’s link to Martinelli came, in part, thanks to their relationship with former midfielder Juninho – whose club Ituano helped to develop the forward.

Meanwhile, Leeds United are not expected to make a move for defender Daniel Ayala in January.

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Several reports had suggested that the ex-Liverpool defender was a target for the Whites as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of a potential promotion push.

But Leeds Live claim that Ayala is not a player on Leeds’ radar, with Marcelo Bielsa instead focusing on other targets ahead of the winter window.

Ayala is one of a number of players facing an uncertain future at the Riverside Stadium, with several first-team contracts set to expire in the coming months.