Report: Wolves now identify potential Trincao replacement with £42.6million release clause

Wolves are battling Arsenal for the signature of Marquinhos from Sao Paulo, according to journalist Jorge Nicola (via Sport Witness). 

Marquinhos is a 19-year-old right winger who’s also comfortable operating on the left. He’s made four appearances in national-level competition so far this season, and 11 at state level.

Marquinhos signed a five-year contract in 2019, and Transfermarkt value him at £6.3million.

However, FIFA regulations require that a player’s first professional deal lasts a maximum of three years, contrary to Brazilian law.

And so there’s a fear that Marquinhos could look to take the matter to football’s governing body in a bid to get his contract cancelled.

Wolves are set to allow one of their existing right-wing options, Francisco Trincao, to leave at the end of the season when his loan move from Barcelona reaches its end.

Nicola reports that both Wolves and Arsenal are intent upon landing Marquinhos.

It was Bruno Lage’s side, he says, who first expressed an interest, but that then alerted Arsenal, who established contact with Sau Paulo themselves.

The Gunners are now the favourites but, while they’re aware of the demands, they’ve yet to make an official offer. As such, there’s still time for Wolves to nip in.

Marquinhos possesses a €50million (£42.6million) release clause, but it’s ‘obvious’ that Sao Paulo will be willing to sell him for less.

The key thing to stress is that Marquinhos is still a very raw talent, but there’s promise there.

In his first 39 appearances for Sao Paulo, he’s managed a respectable seven goals/assists (scored four, set up three), including one in the 2021 Copa Libertadores Round of 16 against Racing.

And tellingly, he’s won international recognition, with three caps for