Arsenal were able to close a deal for Gabriel Martinelli last year thanks to a clause secured with FC Ituano.

It has emerged that Arsenal chief Raul Sanllehi was convinced by top scout Francis Cagigao to negotiate an "exclusive clause" to give them a four-week window to complete a deal for Martinelli before he was allowed to speak to other clubs.

According to The Athletic, the Gunners were able to secure access to a four-week window after Martinelli turned 18 on June 18, 2019.

His signing was confirmed less than a fortnight later, on July 2, as the club got a deal over the line without him being able to speak to rival clubs.

Martinelli has emerged as a bright spark for the Gunners, scoring 10 goals in 26 appearances during his debut campaign.