Arsenal Agree Deal For Brazilian Wonderkid – Report

Arsenal have reportedly agreed a deal to bring Brazilian starlet Gabriel Martinelli to north London…

Arsenal have reportedly finalised a deal to bring Brazilian starlet Gabriel Martinelli to the club this summer following the forward’s breakthrough campaign with Ituano, UOL reports.

Martinelli has been linked with us extensively over the past few months and it emerged last month that a ‘verbal agreement’ had been reached between all parties to make the move happen (via Yahoo Brazil).

The 17-year-old has scored six goals in 14 league games this season and a quick glance at his highlights will quickly clarify why we’re interested in the speedster.

We’re desperate for ball-carriers on the flanks and the lack of such characteristics in the squad could be the reason behind our dreadful away form.

According to UOL, the club’s representatives made their final checks on Martinelli in February as Ituano were defeated 3-2 by Palmeiras.

Despite his lack of international clout, Martinelli’s move to London is set to be made easier with the youngster travelling to Italy to receive his passport which will allow him to move to England without the need for a work permit.

Given that Sven Mislintat has now departed the club, the mystery as to who spotted Martinelli and felt the need to bring him to Arsenal was interesting.

The Daily Mail‘s Rob Draper broke the news that should clarify those sequence of events by reporting that former Gunner Edu is set to take the position as Arsenal’s technical director.

Edu, who held the position of director of football at Corinthians in recent years, currently works as the general manager of the Brazilian national team and oversees domestic talent.

His arrival could definitely see us gain an advantage in the Brazilian market.

According to the report, the fee agreed between Arsenal and Ituano for Martinelli’s services remains undisclosed.