Arsenal have completed their first piece of recruitment of the summer transfer window by signing Brazilian prospect Marquinhos from Sao Paulo.
The forward, 19, primarily plays as a right-winger and has made 22 appearances in the Brasileiro, the country's top flight. The Gunners are believed to be paying a bargain fee in the region of £3million due to an alleged loophole in his contract, which has caused a stir in his homeland.
Marquinhos, a Sao Paulo native, has represented Brazil at youth level and is tipped for a very bright future. Mikel Arteta will get a good look at the youngster during pre-season and he will join compatriots Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli at the Emirates Stadium, subject to what Arsenal have described as "the completion of regulatory processes".
"Nineteen-year-old forward Marquinhos has joined us from Sao Paulo on a long-term contract," a statement on Arsenal's official website reads. "The young Brazilian youth international, full name Marcus Vinicius Oliveira Alencar, developed through the Sao Paulo youth system, progressing into the first team squad and making his first team debut as an 18-year-old last July.
"Marquinhos made 33 first team appearances during his time with Sao Paulo and was a part of the squad which won the Compeonato Paulista in 2021. The young forward, who has represented Brazil at under-16 and under-17 levels, will travel to London from Brazil in the coming weeks to join up with his new team mates for pre-season training."
Meanwhile, Arsenal technical director Edu added: "We're delighted to have completed the transfer with Sao Paulo, as Marquinhos was a player we had been watching for a while.
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"At 19, he is still very young, so he is a player for the future. We look forward to Marquinhos now joining us for pre-season, making his new home, and continuing to grow and develop with us." Marquinhos has reportedly signed a contract with Arsenal until the summer of 2027.
The left-footed forward favours the right flank, from which he can cut in onto his stronger side, but is also comfortable on the other wing or playing through the middle. It remains to be seen whether he will be given a spot in the first-team squad next season or go out on loan in search of regular minutes.
Arteta and Edu have placed plenty of emphasis on young players in recent years and that has continued with their purchase of Marquinhos. However, the Gunners manager will also be hoping to sign a more-experienced forward to lead the line in the 2022/23 season.
