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ARSENAL’S MARQUINHOS MOVE HIT BY WOLVES LEGAL THREAT

By SAMI MOKBEL

ARSENAL’S £3million swoop for Marquinhos is heading for a legal battle after it emerged the Sao Paulo teenager has already signed a pre-contract with Wolves. The former Brazil Under 17 forward had been expected to complete a move to the Emirates this summer. But sources close to the deal indicated yesterday that Sao Paulo offered the 19-year-old winger to the Gunners for a small fee despite the existing agreement between Marquinhos (right) and Wolves. The player signed a five-year deal with Sao Paulo when he was 16 and that was due to expire in 2024. However, FIFA only permit underage players to sign contracts for a maximum of three years, which effectively makes the final two years of his deal void and means he is a free agent this summer. Wolves believe they have a binding agreement for Marquinhos to join them later this summer. It is claimed Sao Paulo only opened talks with Arsenal in the hope of securing a fee for a player who was about to leave for nothing. Wolves are seeking legal advice. Wolves and Arsenal were contacted for a response last night.

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2022-05-27T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-05-27T07:00:00.0000000Z

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