Arsenal close in on Gabriel Martinelli

Arsenal have reportedly taken the lead in the race to sign Brazilian wonder-kid Gabriel Martinelli.

The 17-year-old forward, who has previously had trials with FC Barcelona and Manchester United, has been linked with a number of Europe’s elite clubs over the last few weeks.

The teenager has scored 10 goals in 31 appearances for the Brazilian outfit Ituano over the last two seasons.

The Gunners are believed to have lodged a £5million offer for the starlet, and according to reports in Brazil, there is now an agreement in place for the forward to move to North London.

The report goes on to claim that the Gunners are currently waiting for Martinelli to obtain an Italian passport, which would be easier to secure a work permit.

Martinelli’s current contract with Ituano will run until October 2022.