Arsenal Reportedly Inches Away From Signing Gabriel Martinelli

Arsenal are close to confirming the signature of teenage sensation, Gabriel Martinelli according to a report by The Sun quoting Goal.

According to the report, a fee of £6million was agreed for the 17-year-old’s move to the Premier League from Ituano FC.

Gabriel Martinelli qualifies for an Italian passport through his father and would therefore not need a work permit to play for the Gunners.

The attacker is one of the hottest targets in Brazil and was recently named best newcomer in the Campeonato Paulista, the topmost tier league in Sao Paulo.

Francis Cagigao, head of International recruitment and brain behind the transfer had to employ his contacts and connections to land Martinelli ahead of other European sides.

Cagigao is well lauded for his contacts in Southern America. He for one has travelled to Brazil on more than one occasion to watch the 17-yr-old – who has peeked his interest – play.

According to reports, he had been scouted extensively for some months before the transfer was made with a detailed database of his football qualities noted using video analysis.

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It is a bit unclear whether Martinelli will be a part of the senior squad next season but Unai Emery is reportedly willing to give the attacker a try during the pre-season.

The 17-yr-old attacker can play across the frontline but favours plays from the wing from where he could dribble his way into more central areas.

Since the departure of Sven Mislintat’s departure as head of recruitment, Cagigao has been given the mantle and he is reportedly backed by club insiders to keep the job going forward.

The capture of Martinelli is an important achievement for the 49-yr-old and further highlights the influence Francis is having off the pitch.

That said, the Gunners are reluctant to make any permanent appointments till a new technical director is appointed.

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