Marquinhos, the Arsenal winger who was once likened to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, appears to be on the verge of returning to his native Brazil.
Initially, Arsenal resisted the inclusion of a purchase clause in Marquinhos’ contract with Fluminense, but they eventually gave in after being persuaded by the player’s representatives. According to HITC Football, two-and-a-half years after signing Marquinhos for £3 million from Sao Paulo, Arsenal are set to see the Brazilian Under 23 international head back home.
Marquinhos has reached an agreement with Fluminense, the reigning Copa Libertadores champions. The club had initially been against including an option-to-buy clause in the young player’s contract, but they have reportedly changed their stance after being convinced by the winger.
The talented winger, who was once a target for Wolves and Atletico Madrid, had a promising start to his career in England, scoring a goal and providing an assist in his debut against FC Zurich in the Europa League. However, he has struggled to maintain that form, especially with the emergence of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, who are considered two of the most talented young forwards in the world. These are the same players that Marquinhos was previously compared to.
Marquinhos faced difficulties during loan spells at Norwich City and Nantes. His time in France was cut short last month, as he only made seven appearances in Ligue 1 for Nantes without scoring a goal or providing an assist.
According to the Source caughtoffside.com