Arsenal have confirmed the arrival of exciting prospect Marquinhos from Sao Paulo on a long-term contract.
The young forward, who has represented Brazil at Under-16 and Under-17 level, has made 33 appearances for Sao Paulo and was part of the squad that won the Campeonato Paulista in 2021.
Technical director Edu said: “We’re delighted to have completed the transfer with Sao Paulo, as Marquinhos was a player we have been watching for a while. At 19, his 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 is a talented young forward who mainly operates as a winger – but he can also play through the centre.
He is left-footed and is comfortable on either wing, although his preferred role is wide out on the right so he can cut inside on his favoured foot.
He broke through into the Sao Paulo side as a 18-year-old, making his debut against Flamengo in July, 2021.
🔥🔥 ¡Así cerró Marquinhos la tercera victoria de @SaoPauloFC en la CONMEBOL #Sudamericana!#LaGranConquista pic.twitter.com/k9oDPOJLBq
— CONMEBOL Sudamericana (@Sudamericana) April 29, 2022
What are Arsenal’s plans for him?
Marquinhos is being signed as ‘one for the future’, sources said.
Providing the deal goes through without any last minute hitches, he could be given an opportunity to work with the first-team during pre-season.
If he impresses he could earn himself a place on the summer tour to the United States.
His arrival will not have an impact on Arsenal’s main summer transfer plans, with the Gunners looking at bringing in two senior attacking stars.
Talks are continuing over a potential move for Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus and the North London club also have an interest in Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Jonathan David and Tammy Abraham.
