Arsenal's first recruit of the summer transfer window Marquinhos has admitted that his decision to leave Sao Paulo for Arsenal "wasn't easy" as he said his farewells to his former employers in a long Instagram reel posted on his social media following his move.
football.london understands that deal struck between the two clubs was in the region of £3million as the 19-year-old signed a four-year contract in North London.
The Gunners had faced competition from Wolves for Marquinhos' signature, but have now won the race to get their man. It is expected that he will now join up with the Gunners for pre-season, with players set to report back to London Colney in two weeks' time.
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“We’re delighted to have completed the transfer with Sao Paulo, as Marquinhos was a player we had been watching for a while," said technical director Edu. "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.”
With the likes of Aaron Hickey and Gabriel Jesus on the agenda for the Arsenal board, Edu is expected to be busy at work as he and the Kroenkes look to satisfy Mikel Arteta. Although he is not expected to have much first-team time in 2022/23, Marquinhos' signing represents a positive step forward into what could be a fruitful and youthful future for Arsenal.
Marquinhos referenced his bond with Sao Paulo in an emotional farewell message that was delivered to the supporters back in South America. His Instagram reel on @_marquinhos011 translates as: "The moment has come. Farewell is never easy and this time will not be any different.
"I arrived at the club at eight years of age, where I learnt everything about football. Here I grew as an athlete, as an individual, I won games, won tournaments but above all, I made friendships I will carry for the rest of my life.
"Today I close this chapter here at Sao Paulo, but I will never forget about the time I played at a full Morumbi [Stadium], where I felt the fans cheer, where I celebrated a goal and ran towards our fans. I will never forget about Cotia - that place will always be special in my life, that was my school.
"I want to thank every individual that helped me throughout this journey, I will forever be thankful to this club, this fan base, and I will not forget about all these years we spent together.
"It has been 11 years playing and breathing Tricolor [Sao Paulo’s nickname] and I am happy that in some way I have been able to contribute towards the history of the club. Here I won trophies playing for the academy, with the first team and I contributed with goals.
"But above all I dedicated myself to this club, I will never not be a fan and even far away, I will still be with you all.
"I thank all the professionals that have been with me in this journey, you were all very fundamental. I will never stop being a boy from Cotias. Thank you Sao Paulo and see you soon."
