Arsenal have opened talks with Marquinhos Cipriano representatives about a possible move to the Emirates Stadium, according to the reports from the Express.
Marquinhos was born in a small town outside of Sao Paulo in Catanduva and has developed into one of Brazil’s hottest young talents since joining Sao Paulo in September 2015.
Gabriel Paulista is the only current player in the Arsenal who is from Brazil, and could help the youngster to settle in London should he agree to switch.
Work permit might be a blocking issue to the deal, although it could be approved on appeal, due to the talent and fee his signature would require.
Arsenal have already agreed personal terms with another youngster Kelechi Nwakali who is set to sign a contract with the club once he is finished on international duty for his country’s Under-20 side, who face Sudan twice in July.
Marquinhos,17, has averaged more than a goal a game so far after scoring 14 goals in just 12 appearances for the Sao Paulo Under-17 team and managers at the club feel he has what it takes to break into the first team in the near future.
Marquinhos’ dazzling footwork has drawn the attention of some of Europe’s most powerful clubs, the Express via ESPN of Brazil claims Arsenal have made contact with the player’s agent to discuss a potential move to Emirates Stadium.
It’s known that manager Arsene Wenger is always on the look-out for the best young talent in the world and believes in them so much that it does not surprise me when I heard he’s out on the trail of Marquinhos, but the deal won’t be easy to finish.
However, The Express claims that Sao Paulo are determined to keep the teenager and might refuse to sell unless a big bid comes in.
Personally, I don’t see Wenger spending so much on a 17-year-old who has not even made a single appearance for the senior team and is unlikely to make an immediate impact.
Arsenal is not the only club running the race to sign him as it was reported that Italian champions Juventus have also been in touch with the midfielders representatives about a move to Serie A.
