Arsenal ‘on the verge’ of completing first summer transfer signing

With a week to go of their Premier League campaign, Arsenal are already closing in on their first signing of the summer.

The Gunners are on the verge of signing Sao Paulo winger Marquinhos and are preparing paperwork for the deal, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

With his contract in Brazil coming to an end, Arsenal will pay around £2.9 million for the 19-year-old.

He had originally signed a five year deal with Sao Paulo, however FIFA have now ruled that the contract is only valid for three years as it was the player’s first professional deal - a rule that Arsenal have quickly taken advantage of.

The Série A club are thought to have attempted to pursuade Marquinhos to remain in his home country, however he was eager to move to Europe and the Emirates Stadium look set to be his next destination.

The move comes three years after Gabriel Martinelli made the same switch from Brazilian side Ituano to Arsenal - a transfer that has certainly paid off for both parties.

Who is Marquinhos?

Marquinhos is a talented young winger who can also play through the centre.

He is left-footed and prefers to pay on the right so he can cut inside, however he is capable of playing on either side of the pitch.

The teenager made his professional debut for Sao Paulo in July 2021 and made 24 appearances in his first season with the club.

He has also represented Brazil at youth level, making three appearances for the U17s and another four for the U16s.

Marquinhos’ potential has also attracted the attention of Wolves and Atletico Madrid, however it looks like Arsenal are set to win the race for his signature.

The 19-year-old will become the third Brazilian at the Emirates Stadium as he joins Martinelli and Gabriel, while the Gunners are thought to be pursuing a deal for Sao-Paulo born striker, Gabriel Jesus.