Sterling was one of six new signings for Arsenal, joining David Raya, Riccardo Calafiori, Tommy Setford, Lucas Nygaard and Mikel Merino in moving to the Emirates Staduim
Throughout the summer, Arsenal were heavily linked with signing a new striker with the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Victor Osimhen, Viktor Gyokeres and Ivan Toney among several players mentioned on the rumour mill.
Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah left the club to sign for Crystal Palace on a permanent deal, but the Gunners opted not to add a recognised No.9 to Mikel Arteta’s squad via the transfer market.
According to TBR football, though, Arsenal did try to sign a striker in the summer. It has been claimed that the Gunners made an attempt to bring Marcos Leonardo to North London before the transfer window closed.
Born in itapenga Bahia, Marcos Leonardo moved to Taubate Sao paulo in May 2014, and joined Santos youth setup in August, after a trial. On 23 October 2019, he signed his first professional contract with the club, agreeing to a three-year deal.
On 5 January 2024, Marcos Leonardo moved to Portugal, signing a five-and-a-half-year contract with Primera La-liga club Benfica for a reported transfer fee of €18 million, with Santos having the right to 10% of the profit the Lisbon-based club receive from a future transfer. His release clause was set at €150 million.
He then secured a move to the Saudi Top division to play for Al Hilal on a five Year contract.
Soccer4u.com looks at the profile of the striker and then concludes that Edu Gasper’s move for the Brazilian would have been a steal looking at the success of Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli who was signed from the Brazilian league
