Arsenal have made their first signing of the transfer window after announcing the purchase of 18-year-old Brazilian forward, Gabriel Martinelli, from Ituano Futebol Clube for an undisclosed fee.
The club confirmed Martinelli’s signing in a statement released on their official website on Tuesday.
The forward has joined on a long-term contract, with the deal subject to the completion of regulatory processes.
He scored 10 goals in 34 appearances for Sao Paulo-based club Ituano and was called up for a training camp with the senior Brazil squad ahead of the Copa America.
He was voted as the 2019 Best Newcomer and also a member of the 2019 Team of the Year for the Campeonato Paulista – the football league for the state of Sao Paolo.
Speaking on his move to Arsenal, Martinelli said he looks up to Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo as his inspiration.
“I model my game on Cristiano Ronaldo,” Martinelli said.
“He is a player who works hard, pushing himself to the next level. Always in the run for titles and individual trophies.”
He also described signing for Arsenal as a dream come through.
“This is a dream since I was a child and also my family’s dream for me to be playing in Europe and playing for a big team like Arsenal. I am going to take this opportunity.”
Discussion about this post