Transfer: Arsenal sign Brazilian forward

Arsenal made their first move of the transfer window on Monday by securing the signing of Brazilian forward, Marquinhos, from Sao Paulo.

The 19-year-old has agreed a “long-term contract” with the Gunners after initially looking set for a move to Wolves.

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The young Brazilian youth international, full name Marcus Vinicius Oliveira Alencar, developed through the Sao Paulo youth system, progressing into the first team squad and making his first team debut as an 18-year-old last July.

Marquinhos made 33 first team appearances during his time with Sao Paulo and was a part of the squad which won the Compeonato Paulista in 2021.

The young forward, who has represented Brazil at under-16 and under-17 levels, will travel to London from Brazil in the coming weeks to join up with his new teammates for pre-season training.

Technical director Edu said: “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.”

He has also been capped at under-17 level by Brazil.

Meanwhile, another Arsenal target, Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans has said he will “study my options in the summer and make a decision” over his future.

The Belgian international has only one year left on his contract with the Foxes, meaning they are likely to cash in on one of their prized assets in the coming months rather than let him walk away for free next summer.