As per the latest reports, Arsenal have agreed to pay £6.5m for Brazilian winger, Gabriel Martinelli.
The 17-year-old currently plays for Ituano and was previously associated with Corinthians. UOL claims that the teenager will finalise his move to the Emirates when he turns 18 in June.
Martinelli is close to acquiring an Italian passport for himself which would rule out the need to obtain a British work permit. He was of considerable interest from a number of top European sides like Barcelona but the Gunners ended up sweeping him up.
The player’s agent had shopped Martinelli around to a lot of Premier League outfits as well. The winger’s stock skyrocketed when he grabbed 6 goals and 3 assists in the Campeonato Paulista this season.
Unai Emery have sent scouts earlier to watch the youngster in action back in February. The club is in dire need of wingers and signing proven professionals is turning out to be far too expensive.
The Gunners might have to start relying on developing their own talent rather. Reiss Nelson is already displaying a lot of promise while on his loan spell out with Hoffenheim and so is Bukayo Saka back in the Arsenal Academy.
Emile Smith-Rowe was terrific in the first half of this season and has already agreed to stay with RB Leipzig for a second season.
Martinelli is not as hyped as a Vinicius Junior or a Neymar in the Brazilian top-flight but he is skilled, fast and intelligent with a lot of potential to succeed in the Premier League.
If Emery can successfully develop the youngster just like he has with Matteo Guendouzi, Arsenal’s front line could be the one to watch out for next season.
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