Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Marquinhos from Brazilian side São Paulo, while the fee is “undisclosed” reports suggest that the fee is around the £2.1m region. The player has signed a contract until 2027, with the option for a further year.

Marquinhos would have been available for free come July, however, Arsenal’s Technical Director, Edu Gaspar, decided to make a payment for the player, as a gesture of goodwill between the two sides, in the hope that Arsenal can strike up a partnership.

However, the transfer has not been without it’s controversies. The move has reportedly angered São Paulo manager, Rogério Ceni and has reportedly led to a change in the club’s youth policy. Elsewhere, Wolverhampton Wanderers are said to be “furious” with the player as he had already agreed personal terms for a pre-contract agreement with them before “disregarding” their agreement and signing with Arsenal instead, something that has delayed the announcement of the signing.

Though technically Marquinhos would be Arsenal’s first bit of business this window, he is actually the club’s third signing for the new season, after the club signed Matt Turner from New England Revolution and Auston Trusty from Colorado Rapids.

Regardless of the chronological order of the transfer, it is expected to be a busy window for Mikel Arteta’s side in the wake of the disappointment of missing out on UEFA Champions League football, though this signing is not thought to have any impact on Arsenal’s overall transfer business as he is likely to be loaned out during his first season, though he stands a chance of competing in Arsenal’s tour of the USA if he sufficiently impresses during pre-season and in training at London Colney.

Little is known about Marquinhos or his overall ability, but he is a left-footed winger who is comfortable on either the left or right-hand side and can also play through the middle, which seems to suit Mikel Arteta’s plans.

The deal to bring Marquinhos to the club is reminiscent of the Gabriel Martinelli deal, which saw the talented youngster transfer from FC Ituano for a reported fee of around £6m.

While Marquinhos is not expected to be a major figure of the Arsenal side, it is nevertheless encouraging to see Arsenal investing in future talent. In the past 12 months, the club have made significant investments in this area, though generally with a view for the player to play for the senior side, as was the case with Albert Sambi Lokonga, Nuno Tavares and Aaron Ramsdale.

While this deal has been tied up, Arsenal still remain locked in negotiations with Manchester City for striker Gabriel Jesus, and Leicester City, as they try to pry away midfielder Youri Tielemans. The club are also reportedly in talks with Italian side Bologna over a deal for Scottish full-back Aaron Hickey.