Arsenal have confirmed their first arrival of the summer, with Gabriel Martinelli joining from Brazilian club Ituano.
The Gunners announced on Tuesday afternoon that Martinelli has signed a long-term contract, with the deal subject to the completion of regulatory processes.
Born on 18 June 2001 in Guarulhos, Sao Paulo, Martinelli made his debut for Ituano in November 2017 at the age of 16 years and nine months.
The 18-year-old has scored 10 goals in 34 appearances for the Sao Paolo-based side, which led to a call-up to the full Brazil squad for a training camp in May ahead of Copa America.
According to Brazilian outlet UOL Esporte, the Gunners were one of several interested clubs - with his agent mentioning as many as 25 different sides - while Martinelli had trials with both Manchester United and Barcelona as a youngster.
Martinelli is highly rated in Brazil, having been voted as the 2019 best newcomer and included in the 2018 team of the year for the Campeonato Paulista - Sao Paolo's football league.
The teenager finalised an Italian passport prior to turning 18 in June in order to facilitate a move to the Premier League.
Unai Emery identified a new winger as a key priority this summer as the club continue their squad overhaul following Arsene Wenger’s departure.
Martinelli will now join up with the Arsenal squad for pre-season training, though it remains to be seen whether he will be loaned out elsewhere to gain experience of European football.
Martinelli bases his style on one of the modern game's legends, telling Arsenal's website: "I model my game on Cristiano Ronaldo, he is a player who works hard, pushing himself to the next level. Always in the run for titles and individual trophies.
"I look up to Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi and Neymar as they are players who can decide games and are very professional, who dedicate themselves to the whole game."
Regarding Arsenal's past Brazilian players, Martinelli says: "I know a few. I know Edu, Denilson and I know that they have a lot of history at the club.
"Edu, in particular, I had a little contact with him at Corinthians as I had a spell there and I know they had a lot of success here but also for the national team. I am going to try to follow the same route."
And of joining Arsenal, he added: "It is a dream since I was a child and also my family’s dream for me to be playing in Europe and playing for a big team like Arsenal. I am going to take this opportunity."
