Arsenal transfer news: Marquinhos set for Brazil return as Bradley Ibrahim nears exit

Arsenal winger Marquinhos is expected to return to Brazil on loan.

Corinthians and Fluminense are both interested in the 20-year-old, with the latter currently the frontrunners.

The Brazilian transfer window does not close until March, which means there is no rush to wrap up a deal, but talks are nonetheless accelerating fast.

Fluminense want to take Marquinhos on loan and would prefer for any deal to include an option to make it permanent.

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The 20-year-old spent the first half of the season on loan at French club Nantes, but he was recalled by Arsenal earlier this month after making just seven appearances.

Marquinhos is currently playing for Brazil’s under-23s at the Pre-Olympic Tournament in Venezuela and is expected to finalise his future after that.

The winger joined Arsenal from Sao Paulo for around £3million in the summer of 2022, with the Gunners beating Wolves to his signature.

He has struggled to break into the first team since and spent the second half of last season on loan at Norwich, where he scored one goal in 11 games.

Marquinhos is open to the prospect of returning to Brazil and Fluminense manager Fernando Diniz has been key in pitching the move to him.

Fellow youngster Bradley Ibrahim is also leaving Arsenal as he closes in on a permanent move to German side Hertha Berlin.

The 19-year-old, who captained the Gunners' U18 side to the FA Youth Cup final last season, can play in the heart of defence or in midfield.