![\"Arsenal\"](\"https:\/\/cdn.sportwitness.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/arsenal2.jpg\")
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Arsenal have been tracking S\u00e3o Paulo youngster Lucca Marques, with Sport Witness sources previously revealing the Gunners\u2019 strong interest in the 18-year-old.<\/strong><\/p>\n Our early report<\/strong> is now gaining further weight as the player\u2019s profile continues to grow in Brazil. But how does he play, and why is that attracting attention from Arsenal, a club already stocked with a diverse range of wide forwards?<\/p>\n Lucca Marques, born in 2007, is one of the standout products of S\u00e3o Paulo\u2019s Cotia academy.<\/p>\n The Arsenal transfer target joined at under-11 level and quickly built a reputation for his goal threat. His most productive youth campaign came at under-17 level, when he scored 12 goals in 34 matches.<\/p>\n His development has been fast-tracked since then. He featured heavily in S\u00e3o Paulo\u2019s Copinha-winning run, playing eight matches and starting six. Soon after, he was promoted to the senior squad by their manager at the time, Luis Zubeld\u00eda.<\/p>\n Standing at 1.72m, Lucca is a right-footed attacker who prefers to operate on the wings. From either side, he tends to cut inside while maintaining control in his stronger foot.<\/p>\n He is primarily used from the left, but he is comfortable switching to the right wing or even operating more centrally as an attacking midfielder. That versatility adds another layer to his profile and Arsenal transfer interest.<\/p>\n During his time at senior level, he is often deployed at the left flank, which is not a problem at all for him. His historic equaliser against Libertad<\/strong><\/a> was scored from that position.<\/p>\n Lucca Marques stands out first for his ball control. He keeps the ball extremely close to his feet, which allows him to operate in tight spaces and escape pressure quickly. In youth football, he has consistently been viewed as a difficult player to mark for that reason.<\/p>\n That control feeds directly into his unpredictability. While many inverted wingers rely only on cutting inside, Lucca mixes his decisions well. He can cut infield to shoot or combine, but he also attacks the outside lane and drives towards the byline.<\/p>\n Because of that, defenders struggle to read him. They cannot fully commit to blocking the inside channel or the outside run. That hesitation becomes one of his main weapons.<\/p>\n Another striking element of Lucca Marques\u2019 game is how much he moves across the pitch. He does not stay fixed to one zone. Instead, he constantly shifts positions to find space and receive the ball in better conditions.<\/p>\n He often looks to isolate defenders in one-on-one situations. Once there, his ability to disguise his next action becomes key. He can accelerate sharply, stop quickly, or change direction with minimal backlift.<\/p>\n This deceptive style is unusual for a right-footed player on the right wing. Typically, right-sided attackers who cut inside are left-footed. The Arsenal target flips that expectation. When he drives inside with his stronger foot, defenders are often caught off balance.<\/p>\n At the same time, he shows composure beyond his age. In moments near goal, he tends to make calm decisions, whether that means finishing or picking a pass.<\/p>\n Even though he was playing as a left inverted winger, his equaliser against Libertad is a good example \u2013 receiving out wide, cutting inside, dribbling with close control and striking with precision under pressure.<\/p>\n Also, he is not physically dominant, especially for a tough side like Arsenal. But he compensates with acceleration and agility. His speed over short distances helps him create separation quickly.<\/p>\n For Mikel Arteta, that flexibility can be particularly relevant. The club already has multiple wide options, each with different profiles. What Lucca offers is a blend of technical control, movement and unpredictability that is not easy to find.<\/p>\n 🇧🇷 EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal tracking Lucca Marques<\/p>\n ⭐️ 18-year-old\u2019s rapid rise catches attention \u2014 Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) April 3, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n That profile explains why Arsenal have moved early. It also explains why competition is now increasing.<\/p>\nProfile and playing style for Arsenal transfer<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Close control and unpredictability<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Movement, deception and decision-making<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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⚽️ Youngest in S\u00e3o Paulo history to score in Copa Libertadores
🇩🇪 Borussia Dortmund also interested
➡️ Gunners could make formal offer in summer<\/a> #afc<\/a> #bvb<\/a><\/p>\nArsenal leading race as interest confirmed<\/strong><\/h2>\n