Arsenal set to make big decision on forgotten 20-year-old ahead of January window

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Arsenal are considering recalling Marquinhos from his loan spell with Nantes.

Arsenal winger Marquinhos joined French outfit Nantes on a season-long loan deal in the recent summer transfer window.

Having played regularly during a temporary stint with Norwich City in the Championship last season, the 20-year-old will have been hoping to kick on in Ligue 1.

However, Marquinhos is now something of an outcast in France. The Brazilian has made just five league appearances for the club, of which only one was a start. In total, he has racked up just 88 minutes of football over the course of the campaign so far.

Due to his lack of game time, Arsenal may well cut his loan spell in France short in January, according to The Express. Mikel Arteta is keen to get Marquinhos playing regularly. It is therefore likely that another immediate loan departure would be on the cards. 

Marquinhos needs a platform to shine

At this stage in his career, the youngster needs to be playing as much as possible. There are high hopes for Marquinhos, who has previously been described as a “wonderful talent.” However, without opportunities on the pitch to learn and develop his game, he will not stand a chance of living up to his potential.

Even if he were to enjoy a successful loan spell, Marquinhos would struggle to establish himself at the Emirates Stadium. The likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, and Reiss Nelson are all currently ahead of him in the pecking order.

However, given the Gunners only paid £3 million to sign Marquinhos, they would likely be able to turn a profit on the player should he impress while on loan elsewhere. 

Marquinhos made a bright start to life at Arsenal. He got a goal on his debut for the north London club in September 2022, striking against FC Zurich in the Europa League. Since then, though, he has struggled to shine.