New Arsenal signing Gabriel Martinelli almost joined rivals Manchester United two years ago according to the publication from the Manchester Evening News (MEN).

Martinelli was unveiled as the first summer signing for Arsenal earlier on Tuesday.

The 18-year-old could have been playing for Manchester United if the Red Devils had signed him after he had a small trial with them in 2017.

Gabriel Martinelli featured in a friendly win for Manchester United in July 2017 and played with the likes of James Garner and Mason Greenwood.

The Brazilian attacker featured as Manchester United beat Lincoln u-18s 2-0.

He has signed for Arsenal from Brazilian club Ituano in a deal reported to be around £6m.

The new Arsenal player is highly thought of in his native Brazil and this was highlighted when he trained alongside the senior Brazilian squad last month ahead of the ongoing COPA America tournament on home soil.

Brazil are in the semifinals of the competition ahead of their last four meeting with Argentina on Tuesday night.

The winner of the game between the two giants of football will face the conqueror of the second semifinal between holders Chile and Peru.

After Martinelli, Arsenal fans would be hoping for more signings ahead of the new season.

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