This archive report was first published on 2 July 2019.
On July 2, 2019, Arsenal announced the signing of 18-year-old Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli from Ituano Futebol Clube for an undisclosed fee.
Martinelli, who scored 10 goals in 34 appearances for Sao Paulo-based club Ituano, was also called up for a training camp with the senior Brazil squad ahead of the Copa America.
"It 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," Martinelli told the Arsenal website.
As part of their summer transfer business, Arsenal has also made a reported £40 million ($50 million) bid for Wilfried Zaha, which has been rejected by Crystal Palace. The Eagles value Zaha at £80 million.
Wilfried Zaha's brother, Judicael, has pleaded with Palace to let his brother join the club he supported as a boy, saying, "Given all that Wilfried has given to Crystal Palace to help them remain a Premier League club, I hope Palace will be able to see their way to agreeing a deal with Arsenal that allows Wilfried to realise his dream of playing European football for the club he's supported since childhood."
