Samuel Oladipupo Essoodee
The 17-year-old Ituano FC attacker will complete his move to the Emirates Stadium in the summer following an extensive scouting process.
Arsenal will sign teenage Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli this summer.
The 17-year-old will arrive at the club in the summer after the Gunners struck a deal with his current club Ituano FC.
Martinelli qualifies for an Italian passport through his father so he will not need a work permit to complete his move to the Emirates Stadium.
The attacker is seen as one of Brazil’s brightest young prospects and has just been named best newcomer in the Campeonato Paulista, the top level state league for Sao Paulo.
Arsenal have beaten a host of top European sides to the signature of the teenager, with head of international recruitment Francis Cagigao the man behind the transfer.
According to ‘Goal’, the Gunners have scouted Martinelli extensively over the last few months, watching him in Brazil while also compiling a detailed database of his qualities from London Colney using video analysis.
Cagigao, known for his strong contacts in South America, then travelled to Brazil himself to watch the talented forward on more than one occasion before finalising the transfer.
Arsenal will pay around £6 million ($7.7m) for Martinelli, who turns 18 in June.
It is not yet clear whether he will feature with the senior side next season, but ‘Goal’ has been told that he will be given the chance to impress during pre-season – just as Matteo Guendouzi was last summer following his arrival from Loreint.
