A number of Arsenal players are currently away from the club on loan.
Several of the absent Gunners are impressing for their temporary clubs. For instance, Fabio Vieira has found some form back at Porto, where he plied his trade prior to being signed by the North London club.
Many Arsenal fans now want Vieira back at the Emirates Stadium. However, not all loan moves have proved as successful as the Portuguese playmaker’s.
Marquinhos has spent the last few months on the books with Fluminense back in his native country. However, the Brazilian outfit have opted against signing the winger on a permanent basis.
Marquinhos to return to Arsenal
Marquinhos will have returned to Arsenal today, after another disappointing loan spell.
The 21-year-old has previously struggled during a temporary stint with Nantes.
It is now also clear that he has no place in Mikel Arteta’s plans, and is not of the standard required at Arsenal.
There is some transfer interest in Marquinhos, and the Gunners will be hoping that this comes to fruition quickly in the January transfer window, as shifting the player off the North London club’s books is now a necessary task, but also something of a frustrating distraction.
Mikel Arteta still seeking solution to Bukayo Saka injury problem
Whilst Arsenal are in need of cover on the flanks, following the injury to Bukayo Saka, Marquinhos is clearly not a solution to this problem.
Even with Raheem Sterling also sidelined, the Brazil under-23 international still has no prospect of playing for the North London club.
Arteta must find a means of coping without Saka though, as the talismanic winger is set to be out of action for a significant spell.
There are doubts about Gabriel Martinelli’s ability to step up on the right-flank, but as things stand he appears to be in pole position to make himself the first choice pick to deputise for Saka in that part of the pitch.
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