Sao Paulo's Marquinhos has flown to London to complete his move; Arsenal view the 19-year-old as a player with great potential; Marquinhos expected to be Arsenal's first summer signing
Friday 20 May 2022 17:08, UK
Arsenal are in advanced negotiations with Sao Paulo for teenage winger Marquinhos.
The 19-year-old is in London to finalise his move and is viewed by Arsenal as a player with a lot of potential.
Marquinhos' has proven his versatility during his time in Brazil and can play left, right or down the middle.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was asked about the signing in his press conference on Friday but refused to be drawn on how close the deal was.
He said: "When there is a player to announce in the next few weeks we'll be dealing with that."
Sky Sports' Papa Kuranchie:
Marquinhos has provided some promise to his career at Sao Paulo. He made his first-team debut in 2021 under the leadership of former Argentina forward Hernan Crespo, scoring on his first start for the club in the Copa Libertadores at just 18 years old.
In 2022, the now 19-year-old has been a regular in the Sao Paulo squad, making 40 appearances and scoring four goals in all competitions, with most of those appearances coming off the bench.
The Brazilian has represented his country at under-16 and under-17 levels, scoring once in seven appearances.
It has not just been Arsenal who have been pursuing the young star though. Atletico Madrid and Wolves were reportedly interested, but it is the Gunners who look set to walk away with Brazil's next potential megastar.
Marquinhos' Sao Paulo contract is set to expire on May 31, 2024 and he is expected to sign a five-year deal at Arsenal worth around £3m.
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