Clube Atletico Mineiro are interested in signing forgotten Arsenal star Marquinhos on loan in the January transfer window. The 21-year-old joined the Gunners from Sao Paulo in June 2022 on a long-term contract.

Marquinhos made his Arsenal debut against FC Zurich in the Europa League in September of that year, scoring and grabbing an assist during that game. He played six times during the first half of the season before being sent out on loan to Norwich in the Championship in January 2023.

As he did with Arsenal, Marquinhos scored and assisted on his Norwich debut against Cardiff, but that was as good as it got for the forward, who struggled from that point on. The Brazilian received the first red card of his career against Huddersfield in March 2023, though it was later overturned.

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He returned to Arsenal in the summer of 2023 and spent pre-season with Mikel Arteta's squad before joining Nantes. However, Marquinhos returned to the Gunners halfway through the campaign after struggling in France and joined the Gunners from Sao Paulo in June 2022 on a long-term contract.

And now, Marquinhos is expected to return to Arsenal next month after Fluminense rejected the opportunity to buy him. According to Trivela, the 5'9 wideman is set to be available in the January transfer window upon his move back to the Emirates with Atletico Mineiro and Internacional chasing his signature.

It's added that Atletico-MG have had 'heated talks' with the player and an enquiry has been lodged. Both Internacional and Atletico-MG are seeking a loan deal with a purchase option. Internacional have also had increased discussions over signing Marquinhos and it appears there is competition to sign him.

Marquinhos, who last played during a 0-0 draw with Criciuma in November, was hailed by former Arsenal director Edu following his move to the club. "We're delighted to have completed the transfer with Sao Paulo, as Marquinhos was a player we had been watching for a while," Edu said at the time.

"At 19, he is still very young, so he is a player for the future. We look forward to Marquinhos now joining us for pre-season, making his new home, and continuing to grow and develop with us."