The 18-year-old midfielder signed a long-term deal for an undisclosed fee, Arsenal said in a statement posted on their website on Friday.

Denilson captains Brazil's national team Under-19, a role he has also played with the Under-17 squad.

He featured 12 times for Sao Paulo's first team in the local league, Copa Libertadores and the FIFA World Club Championship.

Denilson joins compatriots Julio Baptista, who has just arrived at the Emirates Stadium from Real Madrid on the last day of the transfer window, and Gilberto Silva.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is well-known of luring young talents from across the world and developing their skills as future assets for the London club.