Nantes set to sign Arsenal winger Marquinhos on loan

Nantes are on the verge of signing Marquinhos on loan from Arsenal, according to Ouest-France.

The Brazilian joined the Gunners from Sao Paulo last summer. He had an impressive debut, scoring and assisting in the 2-1 win over FC Zurich in the Europa League group stage.

However, he made only five more appearances for the Gunners before he was loaned out to Norwich City in January this year. Marquinhos bagged a goal and assist for the Canaries.

Arsenal have now opted to send the 20-year-old on loan to the French top-flight, having seen the success of Folarin Balogun last term. Nantes have reportedly won the race to sign him.

The Ligue 1 outfit won’t have any option to purchase the Brazil Under-20 international next summer.

Marquinhos has the chance to prove his credentials

There was plenty of excitement from fans after Marquinhos’ promising debut versus Zurich, but he could not carry on. He managed just 218 minutes for the Gunners last term.

His time at Norwich was also uninspiring with just two goal contributions from 11 outings, but Marquinhos has the chance to prove his credentials in Ligue 1 this season.

We saw how Balogun exceeded expectations during his loan stint at Reims. He registered 22 goals and three assists. The Gunners are now looking for a premium fee to sell him.

Marquinhos has shown glimpses of his potential at Arsenal and it remains to be seen whether he can transform himself into a real match winner with regular goal involvements.

An assured starting role with Nantes could be the ideal platform for him to impress.

Bukayo Saka is an undisputed starter on the right wing for Arsenal, but the back-up position remains up for grabs if Marquinhos makes a significant impression at Nantes.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com