Official: Arsenal confirm signing of Brazilian prodigy Gabriel Martinelli

Premier League giants Arsenal have this afternoon announced the signing of highly-regarded Ituano youngster Gabriel Martinelli.

Brazilian talent

Martinelli, a 17-year-old winger who can also play as a 2nd-striker, possesses all of the trademark qualities of a Brazilian attacker.

The teen is said to have both pace and technique in abundance, along with a keen eye for goal.

Martinelli spent 4 years plying his trade for Corinthians Futsal between 2010 and 2014, before joining hometown club Ituano the following year.

And, having signed his first professional contract with the Campeonato Paulista outfit in 2017, the prodigious talent subsequently went on to break into the first-team setup of Ituano in March of last year.

After working his way to more consistent playing-time over the remainder of his debut campaign at the Estádio Novelli Júnior, Martinelli since went on to catch the eye to this point in the current season, with a number of impressive showings.

The Brazilian, who previously spent time on trial with both Manchester United and Barcelona, notched 10 goals, playing a key role in his side topping the Group D Paulista table.

Arsenal switch

And such performances subsequently saw Martinelli added to the summer wishlist of one of European football's heavyweights.

Brazilian outlet GloboEsporte first reported back in March that Arsenal were expressing a keen interest in the starlet's signature.

Reports had since mounted in both Brazil and England that the Gunners were inching towards pushing a deal over the line, with confirmation of Martinelli's move to the Emirates having finally arrived across social media this afternoon:

👋 Welcome to Arsenal, Gabriel Martinelli 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/czlXdHpkQs

— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) 2 July 2019

🇧🇷 ✈️ 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Gabriel’s a Gunner 🤙

— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) 2 July 2019

As per Arsenal's official website:

'The deal is subject to the completion of regulatory processes.'

'Gabriel will shortly join up with his new team mates for pre-season training.'

Martinelli has put pen-to-paper on a 'long-term' contract in north London, though there is no mention of the fee involved.