Marquinhos Signs for Arsenal in £3million Deal

Marquinhos has signed for Arsenal in a £3million deal, becoming the club's first signing of the summer. The 19-year-old Brazilian winger joins the Gunners after progressing through Sao Paulo's academy and breaking into the first team last year.

Marquinhos is a left-footed forward who can operate on either flank, with his pace being his main attribute. He has often been used on the right, allowing him to cut in and shoot.

The Brazilian teenager won nine trophies at youth level and was called up to represent Brazil at under-15 and under-17 level. He scored four goals in 42 games for Sao Paulo's first team.

Marquinhos is a quick and powerful player who looks suited to the speed of the English game. However, like Gabriel Martinelli, he will need to bulk up even more to compete at the highest level.

Sao Paulo manager Rogerio Ceni was a fan of Marquinhos' pace and tactical work, and he was occasionally asked to operate through the middle.

Wolves were also interested in signing Marquinhos, with reports claiming they had a pre-contract agreement with the player before Sao Paulo agreed to sell him to Arsenal. Atletico Madrid scouts also watched the winger.

The interest from Wolves led to talk of a legal battle, but this has cooled since Arsenal announced the player's signing.

Marquinhos will link up with Arsenal for pre-season and be part of their tour to the USA. This will allow Mikel Arteta and his coaching staff to see if the teenager is ready for English football.

The current plan is for Marquinhos to develop and potentially follow in Gabriel Martinelli's footsteps, who has had a successful start to his Arsenal career. Marquinhos' arrival is an exciting one for Gunners fans, who will be hoping he can make a similar impact.