Arsenal’s £3m bid for Sao Paulo wonderkid accepted as Edu lands another Brazilian bargain

Arsenal are set to complete their first signing of the summer transfer window after having a £3million bid accepted for Sao Paulo youngster Marquinhos, according to reports in Brazil.

The 19-year-old attacker is available for a cut-price fee with his contract set to expire after FIFA ruled that a five-year deal he was handed in 2019 was only valid for three years – the maximum amount permitted for a player signing their first professional agreement.

Sao Paulo had tried to convince Marquinhos to pen fresh terms but he has turned down their offer and is keen to move to Europe.

According to Globo Esporte, talks between Arsenal and Sao Paulo have progressed quickly and smoothly and the Gunners’ £3m bid has now been accepted.

The deal should be completed in the coming days, with just a few more details – such as a medical and contract signing – missing.

Marquinhos, who has three goals in all competitions this season, is not expected to be named in Sao Paulo’s team for Sunday’s game against Cuiaba due to his looming transfer, with the club’s coaching staff told to plan for life after the teenager.

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Having been in the final six months of his deal, Marquinhos is believed to have held talks over signing a pre-contract agreement with another, unnamed club, though a move to Arsenal suits all parties and ensures Sao Paulo get a fee.

Globo’s report also claims Edu is looking to establish a relationship with the Brazilian club that is similar to the one it shares with Ajax, which led to David Neres and Antony