Marquinhos was spotted at the Maracana on Wednesday with the Arsenal forward watching his new employers ahead of his move to Fluminense from the Premier League giants.
The former Sao Paulo youngster is not a Fluminense player just yet. Not officially, anyway.
But that should change sooner rather than later, Marquinhos arriving back in Brazil and spotted amongst the Maracana crowd after agreeing terms with the reigning Copa Libertadores champions.
HITC Football understands that Arsenal have been convinced to let Marquinhos go after being informed of the winger’s desire for a fresh start.
Marquinhos is leaving Arsenal
Big things were expected of the 20-year-old when The Gunners fought off competition from Wolves and Atletico Madrid to bring him to the Emirates during the summer of 2022.
But despite a bright start – a goal and an assist on his debut against FC Zurich in the Europa League – Marquinhos now looks destined to leave via the back door, returning to South America after disappointing loan spells at Norwich City and Nantes.
“The squad, in essence, is not very different (from last season),” Fluminense coach Fernando Diniz told ESPN last week, the continental champions retaining the services of star midfielder Andre Trindade despite talks with Fulham and a £26 million bid from Liverpool.
“For now, there are a few more players (we could sign). Marquinhos is probably coming back (to Brazil).
“Fluminense signed very well this window. I am very happy with who we have signed at the beginning of the year.”
Brazil return imminent
HITC has been informed that Arsenal have agreed to include an option-to-buy clause in Marquinhos’ contract, having initially had reservations about such an idea. It is not yet certain, however, how much Mikel Arteta’s side could earn via the sale of a man who set them back £3 million nearly two years ago.
Fluminense were held 0-0 at home by Vasco da Gama in midweek. Marquinhos, who was pictured in the crowd, should help add some extra attacking spice to Diniz’s frontline (Globo Esporte).
HITC Football, meanwhile, also understands that Arsenal are already drawing up their summer plans. A midfielder is high on Mikel Arteta’s radar. Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi and Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz the leading targets. Wolves winger Pedro Neto is another name on the wishlist.
Arsenal are also monitoring Matthijs de Ligt’s situation with the £68 million centre-half unhappy at Bayern Munich.
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