Arsenal have made some impressive signings this summer. The club were on for a record spend, although potential late business looks less likely after reports of incomings have cooled in the past couple of weeks.
Arsenal though made a signing which has perhaps gone under the radar. The 19-year-old acquisition of Marquinhos from Sao Paulo was perhaps an underappreciated move at the time but the Brazilian has taken little time to make an impact.
Comparisons to Gabriel Martinelli, who arrived from Sao Paulo-based Ituano in 2019 have already begun, as the wide man impressed in short spells on the field in the pre-season. This has only continued as he features with the under-21s team, scoring three goals in the opening two games.
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He was not included, however, in the last match against Swansea. Emile Smith-Rowe, Cedric Soares and Fabio Vieira all played to build up fitness, but Marquinhos was not present. Could this potentially be a hint of a senior inclusion? The line-up this weekend will reveal the answer.
With Nicolas Pepe linked with a loan move away to Nice and no word on a replacement, combined with Reiss Nelson’s two-month injury, there is a gap should the club not bring in a new signing.
Mikel Arteta spoke ahead of the match with Bournemouth this weekend and was asked about Marquinhos’ future. He made a promise that a loan would not be happening, at least not this summer.
“Very happy with him,” Arteta said. “He’s adapted really well. He’s a really likeable figure even if his language is not great yet. We’re gonna keep him here for another few months and make sure he establishes himself and then see what’s best for his development.”
Marquinhos has had a brilliant week with a call-up to the Brazil under-20s squad. He features as the sole European addition, with the rest all from South America.
Arsenal were very keen to do a deal, especially after Manchester City snapped up Savio from Athletico Mineiro. But they might have bagged themselves an even greater talent and Arteta’s comments should give him great encouragement to succeed.
There is always such a burning desire for new signings to be made and attacking ones tend to be craved more than others. However, the current starters for Arsenal should remind everyone of the potential of investing in both youth and unknown stars.
Bukayo Saka came through the youth academy to oust Pepe from the right-wing role. Whilst the Gunners paid a meagre fee to Ituano for Martinelli and he has since made the left wing role his.
Buying established quality will rarely do your team much harm besides the dent from the serious investment in fee and wages, but this can be avoided with strong scouting, measured development and opportunity. Arsenal have shown to bring this to the table and Marquinhos could be their next star.
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