While Arsenal are in the market for new players this January transfer window, they could be set to part ways with a forgotten players who was signed two years ago. As per reports from Trivela, Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro are keen on signing forgotten Gunners winger Marquinhos in the upcoming window.
The player joined on a cheap deal from Sao Paulo back in 2022, with former sporting director Edu Gaspar deeming it the right choice at the time. While the intention was to slowly integrate the player into the first team setup, Marquinhos never really hit the ground running. As a result, the 21-year-old remained an outcast in Mikel Arteta’s side.
He was sent out on loan to Norwich City in his first season itself, and spent half of last season on loan at Ligue 1 side Nantes. His loan at the French side was cut short and he returned in January, after which he was loaned out to Brazilian side Fluminense for a year.
Marquinhos’ aforementioned loan spells ends in a couple of weeks, with the player’s future still up in the air.
Can Arsenal still make use of the forgotten Brazilian?
Since joining the club in 2022, Marquinhos was seen as the ideal cover for Bukayo Saka on the right flank. However, he ended up making just six senior appearances, scoring one and assisting one goal. He also made five appearances for the Gunners’ U21 side, scoring four goals and providing two assists.
A pacey, direct and creative wide man, Marquinhos has the qualities to be a successful player. However, due to his age and inexperience at the time, he could not convince Arteta that he deserves to be a part of their squad.
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With Atletico Mineiro interested in the player, perhaps could be looking to get him off the books given how he has struggled since moving to Europe.
