Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign Brazilian youngster Gabriel Martinelli this summer, according to reporter Nicolo Schria.
The journalist – who writes for Italian publication Gazzetta Dello Sport – claimed on his official Twitter account on Sunday that the 17-year-old will move to North London in the coming weeks.
The move will happen after both the Copa America, which ends in July and following the player’s 18th birthday later this month, according to the journalist.
Martinelli currently plays up front for Ituano FC, who are in Brazil’s Serie D league – the fourth tier of Brazil’s football ladder.
The 17-year-old was promoted from the club’s Under-20 setup at the start of last season and is currently contracted with Ituano until 2022.
The first purchase of #Edu for #Arsenal will be an amazing young talent: Gabriel #Martinelli. #Gunners have agreed a deal which will see the brazilian striker arrive in the summer from #ItuanoFC after he will turn 18. #transfers #AFC
— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) June 2, 2019
After Copa America
— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) June 2, 2019
Good move for Arsenal?
Not much is known of Martinelli, given that he is only 17 and plays in the Serie D in Brazil. If the move does happen – as Schria says it will – then he will likely go into one of Arsenal’s academy teams to get experience.
But if Schria’s view that Martinelli is an “amazing young talent” is anything to go by, then Arsenal can certainly look forward to watching his progress for the club. The Gunners have already seen academy youngsters such as Joe Willock impress after being given first-team chances last season, and fans will hope that Martinelli can follow in their footsteps.
This is Futbol rating 6/10
Likely to happen?
The likelihood is that this deal will get over the line and that Martinelli will move to the Gunners once he turns 18 and after the Copa America final.
With the player only being 17, the club should face no problems in securing his services and the club should benefit from getting this type of player into their youth ranks.
This is Futbol rating 8/10