Arsenal ‘agree’ a deal to sign 17-year-old sensation Gabriel Martinelli
A verbal settlement has already been arranged between the Gunners and his current club Ituano in Brazil
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ARSENAL have reportedly made a verbal agreement to sign Brazilian teenager Gabriel Martinelli.
It is understood the Gunners have beaten 25 clubs to get their man, who has impressed for fourth-tier Brazilian side Ituano.
His ten goals in 31 games have not escaped the attention of a number of big clubs both in his homeland Brazil and in Europe, including Barcelona.
But according to , it is Arsenal who have won the race for Martinelli.
The winger does not turn 18 until June 18 but Arsenal may be able to swoop earlier if Martinelli can obtain an Italian passport, which could be secured as early as next month.
As reported earlier this week, Arsenal were set to offer £5million for the prodigy but it is understood Ituano want £8m.
To be honest we expected this to happen. His evolution since last year is very fast. The initial planning is for him to go straight to Europe.
Marcos Casseb, Gabriel Martinelli's agent
Martinelli is already known in England having had a trial at Manchester United in 2017 under Jose Mourinho.
The highly-rated teen was also given a cameo appearance for the Under-18s in a 2-0 win over Lincoln City.
Despite not signing on at Old Trafford, scouts have monitored him closely since he was at the club.
Barcelona also flew him over to trial with them and have remained interested in Martinelli, who began his career with the Corinthians' futsal team.
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His agent Marcos Casseb has spoken about the growing interest in his young talent and admitted that Martinelli has ambitions of a move to a top European club.
He told Globo Esporte: "To be honest we expected this to happen. His evolution since last year is very fast, he is above average.
"The initial planning is for him to go straight to Europe."