Arsenal have secured the services of Marquinhos, the young Brazilian international from Sao Paulo.
A contract has been made between both clubs for a five-year permanent deal for a reported €3.5M.
The 19 year old right winger will be the Gunners’ second arrival after they signed Matt Turner from MLS side New England Revolution.
Marquinhos broke in to So Paulo’s main squad last July and has scored four goals in 41 games, mostly off the bench. He has competed for Brazil at the under-17 level.
Arsenal made strenuous efforts for the teenager who had reportedly signed a pre-contract agreement with Premier League rivals Wolves.
Deal finally signed between Arsenal and São Paulo for Brazilian winger Marquinhos. Everything completed on a permanent deal, €3.5m fee. ⚪️🔴🤝 #AFC
Contract agreed until June 2027 for Marquinhos, born in 2003 and now set to be announced as new #AFC player. https://t.co/VdMSPsoW6N
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 10, 2022
Sao Paulo president Julio Casares admitted that Marquinhos had made his decision clear early on.
“He didn’t want to stay. We tried everything”, Casares was quoted telling to Sportv. “Even before the match against Racing, he didn’t want to stay. It was a contractual issue.”
Mikel Arteta looks forward into another Brazilian speedster, following Gabriel Martinelli, in desperate need to strengthen the striking department.
If things go well with Gabriel Jesus, club’s primary target of summer transfer window, Gunners would line up with three Brazilian attackers.