With the departure of Alexander Lacazette to Lyon, where he had previously played before joining Arsenal. The Gunners immediately find a replacement for the departed French man in São Paulo striker Marquinho.
Marquinhos, although he has not been convincing, has only started one game in São Paulo’s last ten and has managed three goals in his seventeen appearances for the Brazilian club this concluded season.
Arsenal on their website made an official statement about his acquisition:
“Nineteen-year-old forward Marquinhos has joined us from São Paulo on a long-term contract.
The young Brazilian youth international, full name Marcus Vinicius Oliveira Alencar, developed through the São Paulo youth system, progressing into the first-team squad and making his first-team debut as an 18-year-old last July.
Marquinhos made 33 first-team appearances during his time with São Paulo and was a part of the squad which won the Campeonato Paulista in 2021.
The young forward, who has represented Brazil at under-16 and under-17 levels, will travel to London from Brazil in the coming weeks to join up with his new teammates for pre-season training.”
Technical director Edu said: “We’re delighted to have completed the transfer with São Paulo, as Marquinhos was a player we had been watching for a while. At 19, he is still very young, so he is a player for the future. We look forward to Marquinhos now joining us for pre-season, making his new home, and continuing to grow and develop with us.”
“Everyone at Arsenal welcomes Marquinhos to the club.
The transfer is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.”
