The Ituano midfielder, who turns 18 in June, has previously had a trial at Manchester United and is also believed to be on Leeds’ radar
Arsenal are preparing a summer bid for Brazilian wonderkid Gabriel Martinelli, according to reports.
The 17-year-old, who plays for San Paulo-based club Ituano, had a trial with Manchester United in 2017 and played for a youth XI against Lincoln City, replacing Nishan Burkhart in a 2-0 win at Sincil Bank.
The highly-rated teenager is continuing to impress in his homeland and is now said to be attracting interest from Barcelona and Premier League hopefuls Leeds and Middlesbrough.
But Goal claim Arsenal are leading the race to sign Martinelli, with the club willing to offer £4million for his services.
Ituano ply their trade in the Paulista Championship and Martinelli’s three goals in nine games has helped them climb to second in Group D.
The talented youngster started his career at Corinthians before moving to Ituano in 2015.
Brazilian youngsters such as Richarlison and Gabriel Jesus have fared well in the Premier League – and Martinelli could be the next breakout star.
Martinelli, who turns 18 in June, is believed to be close to obtaining an Italian passport which would allow him to obtain a work permit to join Arsenal.
Gunners boss Unai Emery is set to be given just £40million to spend this summer and Martinelli’s £4m fee would suit the Gunners, whose only January transfer business was the loan capture of Barcelona midfielder Denis Suarez.
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