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Arsenal confirmed the signing today of Brazilian star Marquinhos, but probably not the one you're thinking of...
The Gunners' official Twitter account posted a welcome message to their first summer signing, with the caption "Welcome, Marquinhos."
Naturally, this excited the club's fans into thinking they had pulled off a serious coup by signing the 28-year-old PSG captain who is considered one of the best central defenders in world football.
However, they were left disappointed when they discovered that the north London outfit had actually signed a19-year-old winger from Sao Paulo.
Nevertheless, it appears as though Mikel Arteta's side have an exciting prospect on their hands, with the 19-year-old considered a talented left-footed winger who is capable of playing on either flank as well as behind the striker.
Marquinhos made 33 appearances for the Brazilian giants last season and has played for his national side at U17 level, with the Gunners announcing the teenager has signed a "long-term contract" at the Emirates Stadium.
Still, Arsenal fans couldn't hide the fact that they felt a little bit duped by the original post, and they took to Twitter to make their feelings known:
Brazil legend Edu excited by Arsenal's first signing of the summer
Arteta's side are in desperate need of attacking reinforcements during this window, with their lack of firepower costing them in numerous encounters towards the end of last season.
Arsenal's technical director Edu said of the teenager via the club's official website:
“We’re delighted to have completed the transfer with Sao Paulo, as Marquinhos was a player we had been watching for a while. At 19, he is still very young, so he is a player for the future. We look forward to Marquinhos now joining us for pre-season, making his new home, and continuing to grow and develop with us.”
Arsenal will also be keen to sign a centre-forward this summer following the departures of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, with Eddie Nketiah's future also appearing uncertain.
After a campaign without continental football, Arteta's side will compete in the Europa League next season, having been pipped to the last Champions League spot by their great rivals Tottenham.
