Arsenal swooped for Sao Paulo star Marquinhos in a £3m deal; however, it has now been revealed that the winger had signed a pre-contract agreement with Wolves before the north London club made its move.
The Gunners thought they had the 19-year-old signed, sealed, and delivered only to discover that the winger had signed a pre-contract agreement with fellow Premier League club Wolves. The situation is currently set to be headed to the courtroom.
It certainly is a bizarre situation for all involved as Arsenal thought they had their player, only to find out that another club had got in before them. The Brazilian is believed to have signed a contract and had a medical with the Gunners.
Arsenal heading for legal battle over Marquinhos transfer after Wolves agreed to pre-contract with the Brazilian
Arsenal's swoop for Sao Paulo forward Marquinhos heads towards bizarre legal battle as it emerged the Brazilian already has pre-contract agreement with Wolves, which is due to start on July 14. Molineux club taking legal advice. https://t.co/UTYd5TZoRQ
— Sami Mokbel (@SamiMokbel81_DM) May 26, 2022
The 19-year-old is thought to have a legally binding contract with Wolves, with his deal expected to start on July 14, two days after his contract with Sao Paulo is up, according to SportsMail. With Marquinhos due to become a free agent due to his contract situation, Arsenal put forth a small fee for the star winger, which Sao Paulo accepted, as his move to Wolves would have given the club nothing in return.
Mikel Arteta and Arsenal were looking to get a head start on their summer transfer business with the 19-year-old thought to be the first cab off the rank, but now with the deal potentially in limbo, they may have to look elsewhere.
Arsenal have reached full agreement with São Paulo to sign Brazilian winger Marquinhos, born in 2003. Done deal, set to be signed - contract until June 2027. Fee will be around €3.5m guaranteed. 🇧🇷 #AFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 15, 2022
...and Arsenal are also preparing their opening bid for Gabriel Jesus.
Several players have already been linked with the club. Youri Tielemans, Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Victor Osimhen have all emerged in transfer rumour mills over a move to north London in recent weeks.
There is pressure on the club to build on this season’s fifth-placed finish with the signing of top-quality players, with many wanting their business to be done quickly this time around.
Often the club waits until the very last to push through deals. But that will not fly this offseason with the Gunners faithful wanting players ready to go come the first matchday of the season.
Many hope that the legal issues surrounding the winger will be resolved soon and that Arsenal will officially have the first of what many believe are several signings the club will make this summer.