‘Didn’t want to stay’: President says player is definitely leaving, Arsenal have reportedly struck a deal

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Arsenal appear to have already sealed their first summer signing in Sao Paulo talent Marquinhos.

Last week, Charles Watts reported that the Gunners had agreed a deal to sign the 19-year-old.

And on Monday, Fabrizio Romano said Marquinhos to Arsenal was a done deal with full agreement.

The Gunners are reportedly paying around £3m for the Brazilian’s signature.

Now, Sao Paulo president Julio Casares has admitted that Marquinhos is definitely leaving.

He spoke to Sportv, via Sport Witness, on Wednesday night.

Casares said the winger is departing due to a contract issue, though he did not confirm his destination.

“He didn’t want to stay, we tried everything,” he told Sportv.

“Even before the game against Racing, where he blew up, he didn’t want to stay.

“It was a contractual issue, that he had this condition.”

As per Goal.com, Arsenal have apparently taken advantage of a contract loophole to land Marquinhos for such a low price.

Sao Paulo reluctantly had to accept the offer due to fears he could leave for free, despite his current deal not due to expire in 2024.

Marquinhos is a winger who can also play up front, and his preferred role is wide out on the right so he can cut inside on his favoured left foot.

Arsenal have reportedly signed him up as one for the future, and his arrival will not have an impact on the Gunners’ main summer transfer plans.