Arsenal consider Marquinhos loan U-turn ahead of January transfer window
Arsenal could recall winger Marquinhos from his loan with Nantes in January due to a lack of playing time. Although it’s unclear whether the agreement includes a break clause – the deal is yet to work out for both clubs and the Gunners are expected to take action if things fail to improve in the coming months.
The 20-year-old forward has made just one start in Ligue 1 since making the switch to France.
Collectively, he has played just 88 minutes of top-flight action and competition is fierce in the wide areas at Nantes.
The same of course applies at Arsenal but the Gunners are keen to get Marquinhos playing regular football to maximise his chances of making the grade at the Emirates.
Furthermore, Nantes have also allowed Marquinhos to participate in the Pan American Games in Chile this month with Brazil U23s – indicating he is already surplus to requirements.
Arsenal’s loan manager Ben Knapper has been monitoring the player’s progress from afar – even though he is due to depart for Norwich City where he will become sporting director next month.
Don’t miss… Gabriel Jesus injury update as Arsenal boss Arteta holds Martin Odegaard talks[LATEST]
Sources have indicated a mutual termination of Marquinhos’ loan in January could be beneficial for all parties, however, there is still time for the Brazilian to turn things around before the transfer window reopens.
Should the agreement be ended prematurely, Marquinhos is unlikely to be short of suitors and he could then potentially be loaned to a separate club for the remainder of the season.
Olympiacos came close to landing the attacker on loan in the summer transfer window but the agreement was hijacked by the Ligue 1 side in the final stages.
Nottingham Forest, Bologna, Empoli and Frosinone also looked into a deal before Nantes won the race for the former Sao Paulo star’s signature.
- Advert-free experience without interruptions.
- Rocket-fast speedy loading pages.
- Exclusive & Unlimited access to all our content.
Italian clubs Bologna, Empoli and Frosinone were also among those to enquire about the player’s availability.
Marquinhos has made six appearances for Arsenal’s first-team, netting one goal while he also featured 11 times on loan at Norwich City in the second half of last season.
His contract in north London is due to run until the summer of 2027.
Arsenal are still open to the prospect of signing another wide player to support Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard which would also push Marquinhos even further down the pecking order.
Pedro Neto is among the names of firm admiration but the Wolves winger does not seem likely to depart Molineux this winter.
He recently reaffirmed his commitment to Gary O’Neil’s project during an interview with The Telegraph, stating: “I want to say that I am here and I will help everyone.
“I love the club and everybody here, I have always felt that it has given a lot to me.
“I’m enjoying the moment here so I will continue to do that. The future and long-term ambitions don’t matter. We will never go down in any situation, we are here to win and fight. I feel really good at the moment and hope to continue.”
Source: Read Full Article
