Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Marquinhos from Sao Paolo.
The Brazilian winger becomes the Gunners’ first confirmed piece of business this summer and arrives on what football.london understands to be a five year contract for a fee believed to be in the region of £3million.
The arrival of Marquinhos will not have any impact on the rest of Arsenal’s summer transfer plans. football.london understands that the Gunners are keen to bring in a striker with Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus high on the agenda. The club are also targeting a midfielder, with Youri Tielemans of Leicester among those linked, while Bologna defender Aaron Hickey also being targeted. Meanwhile, a deal to bring goalkeeper Matt Turner to North London has also been agreed.
READ MORE: How Arsenal could line-up with Marquinhos after first summer signing announced
The Brazilian mainly operates as a winger, but he can also play through the middle. He’s left-footed and is comfortable on either wing, although his preferred role is wide on the right, so he can cut inside on his favoured foot.
He’ll be looking to hit the ground running in red and white. Whilst Arsenal fans will be interested to see how he starts his Gunners career, they may firstly be intrigued to know what number he’ll wear.
For Sao Paulo, Marquinhos wore the No.17, but he won’t be wearing that at the Emirates Stadium. That’s because Cedric Soares already owns it, and with the Portuguese defender expected to stay in north London, he won’t be relinquishing it any time soon.
One number that is available is 35, previously worn by Marquinhos’ compatriot Gabriel Martinelli, who will don the No.11 next season. Arsenal will be hoping that Marquinhos follows the same trajectory that Martinelli did when he made the move from Brazil to North London in 2019, so taking his number could be a fitting tribute.
There are lower numbers available also, including, 9, 12 and 14, whilst Nicolas Pepe could leave the club this window, meaning 19 would also be open for the taking. Of course, for somebody so young, it’s likely he’ll take a higher number, and look to earn a more iconic one in the coming years. Stranger things have happened of course, but Arsenal fans will have to wait to find out more.
Shirt numbers available to Marquinhos at time of writing (up to 40): 2, 9, 12, 14, 21, 27, 28, 31, 35, 36, 37, 39, 40.
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https://www.football.london/arsenal-fc/transfer-news/marquinhos-shirt-number-arsenal-transfer-24217508
