Gunners set to secure first signing of the summer

Arsenal boss Unai Emery is reportedly set to make first signing of the summer with the capture of Brazilain whizzkid, Gabriel Martinelli.

The 17-year old has been a talent in the eyes of Europe’s elite in the last few years and was even introduced during a trial game at Manchester United during 2017. He made the headlines after coming through Corinthians’ youth academy until joining Ituano in his homeland of Brazil.

Martinelli has scored six goals this season for ‘Galo’ and has also attracted the attention of many Brazilian clubs including Flamengo, Cruzeiro and Santos but has opted the move to the Premier League. Previously, his agent, Marcos Caseeb, admitted that 25 clubs were after the winger who turns 18 in June including the likes of Barcelona, but Emery appears to be the first to swoop.

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Ituano have priced the winger at €10m with The Gunners set to offer just below that value with the club set to be given a transfer budget of £50m for the upcoming transfer window. Arsenal have also been linked with several other wingers in the past few weeks; in particular, Cristian Pavon and Bournemouth’s Ryan Fraser.

Prior to his move to Ituano, Martinelli’s role at Corinthians saw him playing 11-a-side and futsal, where he had previously scored over 200 goals from a young age. This wouldn’t be the first time a Brazilian has made the leap towards the Premier League as shown in the past with Oscar, Alex, Gabriel Jesus and Richarlison, who have all been successful at this level.

The move is set to be completed within the next couple of days after Martinelli’s passport is a dual-nationality of Italian and Brazilian. This would require a work permit and would not be able to make the move until his 18th birthday.