ARSENAL are reportedly set to sign Brazilian starlet Gabriel Martinelli with the £6million deal to be “announced” soon. Brazilian outlet Globo claim the Gunners are close to agreeing a deal for the 18-year-old – who in 2017 failed to impress Manchester United in a trial. Arsenal are understood to have agreed a £6m fee with […]
ARSENAL are reportedly set to sign Brazilian starlet Gabriel Martinelli with the £6million deal to be “announced” soon.
Brazilian outlet Globo claim the Gunners are close to agreeing a deal for the 18-year-old – who in 2017 failed to impress Manchester United in a trial.
Arsenal are understood to have agreed a £6m fee with his club Ituano FC and expect to complete the formalities in the coming days.
And it appears the forward has already started preparing for life in England by following Arsenal on Instagram.
Martinelli qualifies for an Italian passport through his father so will not need a work permit to join the Gunners.
He was named best newcomer in the Campeonato Paulista, the top level state league for Sao Paulo.
The North London side have beaten a host of top European sides to land Martinelli, with head of international recruitment Francis Cagigao the man behind the transfer.
Cagigao – known for his strong contacts in South America – travelled to Brazil himself to watch the talented forward on more than one occasion before finalising the transfer.
It is not yet clear whether he will feature with the senior side next season, but boss Unai Emery is expected to run the rule over the attacker during pre-season.
Martinelli can play across the frontline, but is seen more as winger who likes to cut inside into more central areas.
The imminent capture of Martinelli is being viewed as a success by the North London club and highlights the growing influence Cagigao is enjoying behind the scenes.
Since Sven Mislintat’s departure as head of recruitment, Cagigao has been leading the club’s scouting network.
