Matt Turner is not the only Arsenal player on Nottingham Forest’s radar with Marquinhos reportedly a target for the Premier League outfit too.
When the former Sao Paulo whizzkid marked his Arsenal debut with a sublime finish just 16 minutes into his debut last September – the opener in a 2-1 Europa League win at FC Zurich – it was tempting to wonder if technical director Edu Gaspar, who masterminded the signing of fellow Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli, had unearthed another Samba gem.
That wonderful debut goal, however, is starting to feel less like a sign of things to come and more of a ‘false dawn’.
Marquinhos has played only five more games under Mikel Arteta; an underwhelming loan spell at Norwich City in the Championship doing little for his hopes of a bigger role at a club with genuine Premier League title ambitions.
According to Sky Sports, Arsenal are not ruling out cashing in on Marquinhos already either.
Nottingham Forest eyeing Arsenal raid
The £3 million acquisition certainly isn’t short of suitors. Tuttomercatoweb report that Empoli, Bologna and Frosinone would all relish the prospect of bringing Marquinhos to Italy; although a potential move to Serie A will be complicated by Marquinhos’ non-EU status.
There is also interest from Nantes in Ligue 1. Nottingham Forest too. Steve Cooper’s side lining up a potential double deal with Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner also a target for the City Ground outfit.
TMW add that, if Marquinhos was to end up at Forest, he could initially be sent out on loan to their Greek-based sister club Olympiakos. Then again, Cooper may have different ideas. Especially if fellow winger Brennan Johnson is sold to Tottenham or Brentford in the final month of the window.
‘Special talent’
Marquinhos chose Arsenal despite interest from Wolves and Atletico Madrid in 2022. And, despite that disappointing stint at Norwich, the 20-year-old forward still produced the odd moment of magic during his time at Carrow Road, and should not be written off just one year after arriving in England.
“This kid is special,” Norwich legend Dean Ashton told ITV’s EFL Highlights Show; Marquinhos also netting on his Canaries debut in February.
“He scored on his Arsenal debut and he’s now scored on his Norwich debut. 19 years old, Marquinhos. He’s a wonderful talent. A special left foot.
“I think they are very lucky to have him.”
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