Marquinhos Arsenal future uncertain after Nantes recall leaves £3m transfer in question

Arsenal haverecalled Brazilian youth international Marquinhos from his loan spell with Nantes. The 20-year-old managed just seven appearances with just over 150 minutes of action for the Ligue 1 side.

Arriving at Arsenal in 2022, this was his second loan spell having spent the second half of last season with Norwich where he made just 11 Championship appearances, scoring once and assisting another goal. It leaves the former Sao Paulo starlet at a crossroads.

Upon returning to Arsenal, all options remain open football.london understands. No decision has yet been taken as to what the next steps will be although he is set to depart the club to play for Brazil’s Under-23s at the 2024 CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament which runs through until early February.

Depending on how Brazil progress in the tournament Marquinhos could be away for the whole of the January transfer window. When he arrived at the club, despite making an appearance in the Europa League in Zurich, he flittered in and out of Mehmet Ali’s Under-21s side.

He could therefore return to the club and reintegrate into the youth setup before a decision is made in the summer. Alternatively, should a club see him playing for Brazil’s Under-23s and take an interest there could be scope for a move much sooner – it remains an open situation.

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From an Arsenal point of view, seeing a way into the squad with the options available to Mikel Arteta in the wide areas is very difficult. The club may indeed be looking for another forward in the summer which would make it even harder.

Marquinhos will