Arsenal confirm 21yo winger loan | OneFootball

Marquinhos embarks on another loan spell, joining Cruzeiro until December, as Arsenal monitor the 21-year-old’s progress following a challenging year.

Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images

Marquinhos has joined Cruzeiro on loan until the end of the Brazilian Serie A season in December, marking another step in the 21-year-old winger’s career.

The Arsenal prospect returns to Brazil after a year-long loan with Fluminense, where he made 29 appearances across all competitions, contributing modestly with two goals and two assists.

During his time at Fluminense, Marquinhos played a significant role in their victory in the Recopa Sudamericana, lifting the trophy against LDU Quito in March 2024.

Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images

However, despite his involvement in their silverware success, Fluminense opted not to exercise the option to buy, a decision confirmed in December, with Marquinhos bidding farewell on Instagram: “A year of evolution and great personal and professional learning. It was an honor for me to wear this shirt.”

The versatile winger has also endured challenges, including being used out of position at right-back due to squad injuries.

Previously, Marquinhos had brief loan stints at Norwich City in the Championship and Nantes in Ligue 1, struggling to cement a long-term role at any of the clubs.

Photo by SEBASTIEN SALOM-GOMIS/AFP via Getty Images

Signed by Arsenal for €3.5m in 2022, Marquinhos has made six first-team appearances, scoring one goal and collecting one assist.

His contract with the North London club runs until 2027.

While the deal with Cruzeiro is currently structured as a loan, discussions reportedly included an obligation to buy.

However, any transfer fee is expected to be nominal.