Brentford boss Thomas Frank has a problem to solve due to Ivan Toney’s ban.
Ivan Toney’s ban for gambling offences means that the Talismanic Brentford striker will be unavailable to play for the club again until the new year. The Bees don’t need to replace the striker on a long-term basis, and to do so would be prohibitively expensive anyway.
The likes of Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo have demonstrated they can provide cover for Toney centrally, and new signing Kevin Schade will be expected to lead the line in the early part of the new season. Keane Lewis-Potter will also be hoping to step up.
If Frank still feels as though his squad is a little light in attack whilst Toney is out though, he may turn to the loan market. In this instance, a move for Arsenal’s Marquinhos would be affordable and fit the bill of bringing in someone who can provide additional depth in the attacking third.
Who is Marquinhos?
The 20-year-old Brazilian can play on either flank, and would provide some welcome depth on a short-term loan until January. The Gunners would also likely be open to the deal as Marquinhos would stand a better chance of getting Premier League minutes at the Gtech Community Stadium than he would if he remained at the Emirates Stadium.
After showing glimpses of quality whilst on loan with Norwich in the Championship last time out, Mikel Arteta will be keen to see if Marquinhos can cut it in the top flight. He is a direct, skilful attacker with plenty of pace. He is also exactly the kind of young, raw talent that Brentford have been so successful at nurturing in recent seasons.
A low stakes punt on Marquinhos would be a worthwhile move for all parties whilst Brentford’s squad is thinned due to Toney’s absence.
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