Arsenal set to complete second surprise late transfer as Edu plan takes important new step

Arsenal are set to complete another winter transfer despite the January window closing nearly one week ago. According to reports in Brazil, the club have agreed a deal to let young attacker Marquinhos leave on loan.

The 20-year-old only returned to the club from his loan at Nantes last month having made just seven appearances for the Ligue 1 side. He played less than 200 minutes in France and has found life hard since arriving in north London 18 months ago.

Marquinhos was throughout in for just £3million from Sao Paulo as teenager at the time but has struggled with loans at Norwich — where he spent the second half of last season — as well as at Nantes. His recall from loan left all options open regarding his football.london reported three weeks ago.

He had already left the club temporarily in January to join up with the Brazil Under-23s for the 2024 CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament. He helped the team get through the first group stage and is now vying to try and win the mini-competition. It could see him remain out until mid-February.

However, during his time away he has agreed to join Fluminese on loan for the rest of the season. Globo report that a verbal understanding has been reached and that the final formal steps will be sorted in the coming days. It is thought that an option to buy will be included.

Arsenal were open to selling Marquinhos,football.london understands, and had interest in the player from Corinthians. It follows a trip made by sporting director Edu Gaspar earlier this year to helo build a relationship between the two clubs.

Jurrien Timber updated return timeline gives Arsenal 'two week' boost amid full training hope

Stan Kroenke £60m Arsenal gamble pays off as Mikel Arteta proves Edu right with Liverpool