Edu has been red-faced as Arsenal seemingly plan to offload Brazilian winger Marquinhos after a disappointing loan spell at Nantes.
The Gunners had signed the 20-year old-from Sao Paulo for £3million in 2022, but he has struggled to make an impact. Arsenal’s stance on Marquinhos has taken a significant turn, especially considering their previous pursuit of the young player had left former Sao Paolo head coach Rogerio Ceni ‘very angry’, according to a report from Bolavip (via the Mirror).
He is now set to join Brazilian side Fluminense on loan before the close of the Brazilian transfer window. It is understood that the agreement will include an option for the deal to be made permanent if everyone is in agreement.
Edu, since leaving his role as technical director of the Brazil national team, has been instrumental in Arsenal’s revival under Arteta and has played a key role in the club’s transfer dealings. But the deal for Marquinhos has not gone to plan.
Arsenal had high hopes that Marquinhos could follow in the footsteps of Gabriel Martinelli, who was also discovered in Brazilian football as a teenager. He has since become one of the Premier League’s most lethal forwards and a crucial player for Arsenal.
In response to the deal back in June 2022, Edu said of Marquinhos: “We’re delighted to have completed the transfer with Sao Paulo, as Marquinhos was a player we had been watching for a while.”
“At 19, he is still very young, so he is a player for the future. We look forward to Marquinhos now joining us for pre-season, making his new home, and continuing to grow and develop with us.”
However, he has not had the desired impact at Arsenal since his arrival at the Emirates. In total he has made just six appearances for the club in all competitions, with only one of those coming in the Premier League.
He has also spent time on loan at Norwich City, where he made 11 appearances in the Championship, and Nantes. He now looks set to join Fluminense, this ending his forgettable spell in north London.