Brazilian winger Marquinhos has found it difficult to leave a lasting impression at Arsenal since he came in North London in the summer of 2022. Hopes were high that the youthful talent may follow in the footsteps of Gabriel Martinelli and become another Brazilian success story at the Emirates, signed for a reasonable £3 million from São Paulo. Marquinhos, though, seems unlikely to ever play for Arsenal again following a disappointing stay in England and a series of loan transfers.
Marquinhos Had A Good Beginning That Soon Faded
Since his dream debut against FC Zurich in September 2022, Marquinhos has played for Arsenal for only 6 times, in his first season. After the debut everybody praised him for his pace and his skills. Some even drew comparisons between him and another Arsenal Prodigy, Bukayo Saka. But all this faded away due to his inability to be consistent at the highest level.
Last time, Marquinhos played for Arsenal was in January 2023, in a FA Cup tie against Oxford United.
Inconsistent Form at Arsenal and Loan Spells
Marquinhos was loaned out on a number of occasions to acquire experience after his lack of game time at Arsenal. His play, meantime, did not sway Mikel Arteta or the Arsenal management to believe he was fit for a long-term position with the team.
Although he exhibited signs of ability at Norwich City and Fluminense, he found it difficult to make a name for himself at Nantes and Cruzeiro. The Brazilian club has an option to buy; his present loan term at Cruzeiro lasts until December 2024. His lack of development at Arsenal might lead to termination of his Arsenal career permanently.
Why Marquinhos Will Not Play for Arsenal Again
Marquinhos has not improved his game to the next level while being only 21. His figures show a player lacking final product and consistency.
Arsenal has a lot of attacking skill in wide areas, including Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, and Reiss Nelson. Marquinhos seems to have no place given the club always trying to improve its roster.
Mikel Arteta expects great standards from his players, especially in terms of tactical awareness and flexibility. Marquinhos has not demonstrated sufficient merit to justify a future position in the squad.
Arsenal will probably use Cruzeiro’s option to sign him permanently as a chance to sell a player not in their plans.
Marquinhos: A Lost Prospect
Though Marquinhos has shown some promise, he has fallen short of expectations and will probably carry on his career in Brazil or other parts of Europe. Arsenal supporters who previously had great expectations for the Brazilian star must now acknowledge that his future is away from the Emirates.
Given Arsenal’s emphasis on competing at the top level, Marquinhos’ exit is unavoidable, so closing a brief and mostly unremarkable era in the club’s recent past.
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