Arsenal announce first signing of Brazilian youngster Marquinhos

Arsenal have announced the arrival of young Brazilian winger Marquinhos from Sao Paolo. This is the first summer reinforcement of the Gunners. The player is primarily counted on for future seasons, however, it is not impossible that he will not appear under Arteta in the upcoming season.

Nineteen-year-old Marquinhos transferred to Arsenal for a sum of around three and a half million euros. In comparison, the arrival of Gabriel Martinelli cost the Gunners seven million euros. Marquinhos will complement compatriots Martinelli and stopper Gabriel in north London.

In his professional career so far, Marquinhos has hit 42 games in which he has scored four times.

Marquinhos is another outlet of Arsenal’s new transfer strategy. The Gunners are trying to bring players to the club who are undervalued in the transfer market. In doing so, they often focus on scouting players from smaller football markets.

This is how Arsenal managed to bring Sambi Lokonga from Belgium, the best goalkeeper of the last season in the American MLS Matt Turner, or just Gabriel Martinelli and now Marquinhos from Brazil.

According to Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar, Marquinhos will take part in pre-season training and continue to develop his football with the team.

Marquinhos may not be the last Brazilian to add to the Gunners ranks. The Arsenal management have newly set their sights on bringing in winger Raphinha from Leeds, while Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City is a long-term transfer target.

If these signings materialise, it will expand the number of Brazilians in the squad to five. Another player who could potentially join Arsenal is Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans.

Source: Arsenal, Premier League