The summer transfer window is fast approaching and Arsenal could be one of the busiest Premier League clubs as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his squad.
Arsenal are set to compete in Europe after a season away, although it is yet to be confirmed whether they will play in the Champions League or the Europa League. The Gunners are one point ahead of Tottenham Hotspur with two games to go after Spurs' win in the north London derby.
It is likely the Gunners will have to play more matches next season and they have already acted quickly to reportedly agree a deal for highly-rated Brazilian winger Marquinhos. According to Yahoo Sports, the Gunners have agreed personal terms with the 19-year-old to bring him to the Emirates Stadium in the summer.
A mistake in his contract will supposedly allow him to move to Arsenal for just €3million in compensation fees, with Marquinhos' current deal expiring this summer. But Sao Paulo are now fighting to get a percentage from a future transfer if he ever leaves the Gunners for a fee.
Some pundits in Brazil are baffled by the transfer given the circumstances in how Marquinhos is signing for the Gunners at the end of the season. World Cup winner Vampeta has claimed it is 'absurd' and has explained why he is confused with the deal.
"This is absurd. This is absurd," said Vampeta.
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"Marquinhos’ business. They’re going to lose Marquinhos to Arsenal for €3m. I don’t know if you remember that I used to say I watched Audax’s academy games, Marquinhos in the under-15… he used to already make the difference.
"I said here on the show, ‘There’s an U-15 at Sao Paulo, Marquinhos’… Now he’s going to leave on a silver platter."
Host Thiago Asmar then suggested that Marquinhos should be worth at least €10-15million, with all pundits agreeing, and then added that it’s a 'scandal' he is leaving for just €3million.
A pacey, tricky winger, Marquinhos came through the youth system at São Paulo, making his first-team debut in July 2021, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 1-0 win over EC Bahia. He has since gone on to make 32 further appearances for the Brazilian outfit, scoring two goals.
Marquinhos has mainly played in a central striker position this season, although he can also feature out wide. This versatility will no doubt boost Arteta's ranks as they prepare for another season in Europe.
