Manager admits he is about to sign ‘special’ Arsenal player with deal close

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Fluminense coach Fernando Diniz admits Marquinhos is ‘probably’ set to return to Brazilian football from Premier League giants Arsenal imminently. 

The English transfer window closed last week but, with the Brazilian market open for another month yet, Mikel Arteta’s squad could yet become that little bit smaller.

Marquinhos, Arsenal’s 20-year-old winger, found himself returning at London Colney after a disappointing loan spell at Nantes was cut short in January. The youngster won’t be back with The Gunners for long, however.

Globo Esporte report that Fluminense are about to sign Marquinhos on another short-term deal, albeit with an option-to-buy clause included in his contract this time. 

Arsenal winger Marquinhos set for Brazil return

Fluminense, Copa Libertadores winners in 2023, are looking to enhance their already-impressive roster with head coach Fernando Diniz confirming reports that a return to Brazilian football is imminent for a man who made his forward at Sao Paulo. 

“The squad, in essence, is not very different (from last season),” Diniz tells ESPN, Fluminense 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. Fluminense signed very well this window. I am very happy with who we have signed at the beginning of the year.” 

Winger struggled at Norwich and Nantes

Arsenal signed the ‘special’ Marquinhos for around £3 million in the summer of 2022, fighting off competition from Wolves and Atletico Madrid amongst others. The Brazil Under 23 international marked his Gunners debut with a goal and an assist against FC Zurich in the Europa League a few weeks later but that is as good as it got for him on English soil, Marquinhos struggling on loan at Norwich City before that ill-fated spell in France. 

And the chance to hone his talents under arguably the most highly-rated coach in South America feels like an opportunity which could yet be the making for Marquinhos.

“Managing a squad is easy for me,” Diniz adds. “I like slightly smaller squads. Whenever I can, I will promote a player who is asking for a chance, and I provide a lot of tactical coaching.”