Arsenal is reportedly contemplating an early end to Marquinhos’s loan spell at Nantes during the January transfer window. The 20-year-old forward made the temporary move to Ligue 1 after an underwhelming stint with Norwich City in the latter part of the 2022-23 season, where he managed just one goal and one assist in 11 games at Carrow Road.
Marquinhos hasn’t experienced significant success with Nantes either, having played only 88 minutes of Ligue 1 football across five matches, four of which were as a substitute, and contributing one assist during that time. While he provided his lone assist in a 5-3 victory over Lorient on September 23, he has not made another appearance in the top flight and was allowed to join Brazil’s Under-23s for the Pan American Games, taking place from October 20 to November 5.
Despite the absence of an option or obligation to purchase in Marquinhos’s loan agreement with Les Canaris, The Mirror suggests that Arsenal may consider recalling him to North London during the winter transfer window, given his limited playing time. Manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu had hoped that Marquinhos would gain valuable experience in Ligue 1, but the move has not unfolded as anticipated for either party.
Once Marquinhos returns from his international duties, Arsenal, who will lose loan manager Ben Knapper to Norwich City in November, will closely monitor his performances. If he experiences an unexpected resurgence, they might reconsider their decision. However, if the Brazilian continues to struggle for playing time, Arsenal is prepared to terminate his loan at the Stade de la Beaujoire and seek another destination for him in the second half of the season.
During the summer, several clubs reportedly expressed interest in the winger, including Bologna, Empoli, and Frosinone from Italy, as well as Greek giants Olympiacos. Therefore, Arsenal should face minimal difficulties in finding a new home for Marquinhos in January, provided all parties agree to an early recall.
Arsenal secured Marquinhos for £3 million in the summer of 2022, fending off competition from Wolverhampton Wanderers. He made an immediate impact at the Under-21 level, with four goals and two assists in five Premier League 2 matches. His impressive performances for the academy earned him a quick promotion to the first team, and he made a memorable debut by scoring and providing an assist in a 2-1 Europa League victory over FC Zurich.
Marquinhos featured in five more games for the senior squad in the 2022-23 season, including one Premier League appearance as a substitute in a 3-0 win over Brentford, and two starts against Bodo/Glimt in Europe and Brighton & Hove Albion in the EFL Cup.
Although the 2003-born attacker has a contract at the Emirates Stadium for the next four years, he faces competition from the likes of Bukayo Saka, Fabio Vieira, Reiss Nelson, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard in the pecking order of wingers.