Revealed: How former top Arsenal official snatched Martinelli from Manchester United

Arsenal had to act fast to ensure they beat their rivals to the signing of Gabriel Martinelli. The Gunners had been tracking the Brazilian youngster since his days in grassroots football, but it was only when Manchester United and Barcelona passed up the opportunity to sign him that Arsenal pounced.

The club’s former scout Francis Cagigao admitted that there were doubts over Martinelli, but he was convinced after watching him play for Ituano. Cagigao then set about ensuring that Arsenal got their man before any other club could swoop in.

“He played for Ituano, an hour and a half from Sao Paulo. We had him on our radar since grassroots football. We had doubts, but I started going to see him and he totally convinced me.” Francis Cagigao told AS.

“Manchester United could have signed him, but they didn’t, and Barcelonaa too, he went on trial at La Masia. But they ruled him out and we went in there hard so he wouldn’t escape.”

The Gunners moved quickly and offered Martinelli a good contract and then submitted a bid of £6million to Ituano, which they accepted. This was a huge coup for Arsenal as they had beaten both Manchester United and Barcelona to the signing of one of Brazil’s most promising young talents.

It is clear that Arsenal’s quick thinking and decisive action paid off when it came to signing Gabriel Martinelli. The club managed to beat some of Europe’s biggest clubs to his signature, and now have one of the most exciting young talents in world football on their books.