Edu outlines Marquinhos process after Arsenal confirm signing of Sao Paulo starlet

Arsenal have announced the signing of Brazilian teenage attacker Marquinhos from Sao Paulo on a long-term contract.

Marcus Vinicius Oliveira Alencar is a 19-year-old forward who has been playing for Sao Paulo since last July. Arsenal have been working towards his signing in recent weeks and have now got the deal over the line.

Marquinhos will soon travel to England and will be a part of Arsenal’s first-team squad during pre-season. The club have not confirmed the length of his deal, but describe it as a long-term one.

Technical director Edu told www.arsenal.com: “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.”

Marquinhos leaves Sao Paulo with 41 appearances behind him, four goals and three assists. His move to Arsenal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.

Able to feature on the wing or more centrally, he will provide depth to the Arsenal attack if he gets his chance in their senior squad.

The teenager will not be expected to make an instant impression, but is clearly someone Arsenal believe in for their long-term future.

Marquinhos ready for first experience of English football

He has been building up experience in South America, even featuring for Brazil at under-16 and under-17 level in the past.

Now, it is time for him to embark on his first experience of English football. Arsenal will be hoping their faith will be rewarded.

Marquinhos will not be the only Brazilian in the squad he is joining. Arsenal already have Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli among their ranks.

Both have made positive impressions during their careers with the club so far. Hence, Marquinhos will be hoping to follow in their footsteps as he sets out on his new adventure as an Arsenal player.

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