Arsenal set to win race for highly-rated Ituano forward Gabriel Martinelli

Arsenal have made steps to sign Gabriel Martinelli of Ituano in the summer, according to Spanish outlet UOL.

The report claims that Martinelli has chosen to sign with Arsenal over top South American clubs, including Santos and Flamengo, and he will travel to Europe early in the summer to work out the details.

The 17-year-old is expected to be presented to Gunners fans in June, once he has turned 18 and will be officially allowed to sign with a European team.

Other Premier League clubs were reportedly offered the chance to sign the forward, but none were prepared to meet Ituano’s demands.

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The Brazilian was on fine form for the Sao Paulo based club this season, clocking up six goals in just four games in the Sao Paulo Cup.

Martinelli has had experiences with European clubs in the past, as he once went through a test period with Manchester United and was invited to visit Barcelona.

After a disappointing loss on Sunday at the hands of Crystal Palace, Unai Emery’s side find themselves in fifth in the Premier League, one point behind fourth placed Chelsea.

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