Don't Miss

Confirmed: Arsenal announce signing of Marquinhos

By mac14 on June 13, 2022

Arsenal have announced on Arsenal.com today that highly-rated attacker Marquinhos has joined the club from Sao Paulo.

Mikel Arteta is gearing up for a busy summer as he looks to strengthen the squad having secured Arsenal’s return to European football next season.

We’re expected to bring in a couple of established names but the club are always on the look-out for young talent as well, and Marquinhos emerged as a top target last month.

Goal claimed in mid-May that the 19-year-old was in London to undergo his medical after a £3m deal was agreed with Sao Paulo for his signature. The deal was then held up after Wolves claimed Marquinhos had agreed to join them first, and it looked like we could be heading for a law suit.

However, that situation was resolved and Arsenal have now announced on the official website that Marquinhos has joined the club from Sao Paulo with the teenage attacker penning a long-term contract.

Technical director Edu told Arsenal.com that the Brazilian winger has been on the clubs radar for a while, and will link-up with the squad for pre-season:

“We’re delighted to have completed the transfer with Sao Paulo, as Marquinhos was a player we had been watching for a while. 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 developed a reputation as one of the most exciting young attackers in Brazilian football since coming through the ranks at Sao Paulo. He made his debut last year and racked up 33 first team appearances.

He’s predominantly a right winger as he likes to cut in on his preferred left foot, but he can play across the attacking positions so will give Arteta another versatile option in the final third.

Marquinhos will now be given the chance to show what he can do during pre-season. If he impresses, then expect him to be kept on as part of the squad next season. Otherwise, he could be sent out on loan.

Let’s hope he settles quickly as we desperately need more depth in attack, especially if Nicolas Pepe joins Alexandre Lacazette out the exit door this summer.