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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Simon Collings

Marquinhos to Arsenal move in doubt ‘as Wolves claim pre-contract agreement’

Arsenal’s £3million move for Brazilian teenager Marquinhos faces the threat of becoming a legal battle after it was claimed the player had already agreed to join Wolves this summer.

The Gunners have agreed a deal with Sao Paulo for the winger, who has also given the green light over a move to Emirates Stadium.

There could however be issues as, according to reports in Brazil, a legal battle may ensue amid claims Wolves had already agreed a pre-contract with Marquinhos. Arsenal and Wolves declined to comment when contacted by Standard Sport.

It is said Marquinhos signed a five-year contract with Sao Paulo in 2019, when he was 16, but FIFA rules only allow players of that age to sign three-year deals.

That would make the winger a free agent this summer and explains why Wolves believe they could have a pre-contract agreement in Palace. Sao Paulo, however, agreed to sell Marquinhos to Arsenal this summer for £3m and such a situation could cause legal issues for the youngster.

The Gunners had looked to swoop for Marquinhos after identifying him as a talent for the future, as opposed to right now.

It was expected he would work with the first team in pre-season, and possibly be part of the tour to America, but he could go out on loan to aid his development and adjustment to European football.

(Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal are continuing to work on transfers for the new season and one player set to leave is defender Daniel Ballard.

The Northern Ireland international impressed last season on loan at Millwall and can leave permanently this summer. Millwall want to keep him, but Burnley, Cardiff, Sheffield United, Stoke and QPR are also keen on the 22-year-old.

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