Marquinhos has said farewell to his Sao Paulo team-mates ahead of a £3 million move to Premier League giants Arsenal this month, as reported by Globo Esporte.
The skilful 19-year-old is viewed at the Emirates as ‘one for the future’. We’ve heard that before.
After all, few expected Gabriel Martinelli to make such an immediate impact in North London. And, if Marquinhos can emulate his compatriot’s rapid-fire progress, who’s to say the Sao Paulo whizzkid won’t be showcasing his dizzying footwork in red and white sooner rather than later?
Arsenal have already agreed a cut-price £3 million fee for Marquinhos, taking advantage of a rather curious contract situation that has resulted in many a red face in the Sao Paulo boardroom.
Marquinhos has already passed his medical and should be unveiled as a Gunners player later this week. The English transfer window officially swings open on June 10th.
Arsenal on verge of signing Sao Paulo’s Marquinhos
And, according to Globo Esporte, Marquinhos’ next appearance in a competitive outing will come in Arsenal colours. The former Brazil U17 international, who can play on the right or the left wing, has already said goodbye to his Sao Paulo team-mates after being left out of their squad for the last few Serie A matches.
Marquinhos was conspicuous by his absence as Rogerio Ceni’s Tricolor side drew 1-1 with Avai on Sunday.
“The Marquinhos issue is a well-known issue,” admits Sao Paulo president Julio Casares, pointing out that he had made up his behind even before that breakthrough, Man of the Match performance in the Copa Libertadores victory over Racing Club back in July 2021.
“He didn’t want to stay. We tried everything. Even before the game against Racing, he didn’t want to stay. It was a contractual issue.”
Marquinhos will become Arsenal’s second new arrival this summer after USA shot-stopper Matt Turner. Mikel Arteta and co are also prioritising a new left-back, a new right-back and a centre-forward capable of replacing the outgoing Alexandre Lacazette.
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