Arsenal have confirmed that they have recalled Brazilian winger Marquinhos from his disappointing loan spell at Nantes.
The 20-year-old linked up with the Ligue 1 club in the summer, but he was nothing more than a bit-part player during his time at the Stade de la Beaujoire, playing just 149 minutes of football.
Marquinhos's unsuccessful spell in France saw him make just seven appearances in the top flight - providing one assist - and his only start saw him withdrawn on the 58-minute mark against Clermont.
Nantes returned to action from the winter break against Pau FC in the Coupe de France last Friday, but Marquinhos was not involved in the contest, having elected to represent Brazil's Under-23s at their CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament.
It was reported earlier this month that Arsenal were in talks to terminate Marquinhos's loan with Nantes, and the Gunners have now announced that the South American has been recalled from Ligue 1 and will soon link up with his national team.
"Marquinhos has been recalled from his loan spell at Ligue 1 side FC Nantes, where he has been since the start of the season," Arsenal said in a statement.
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"The 20-year-old Brazil youth international will soon join up with his Under-23 national team for their 2024 CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament held in Venezuela.
"Our forward will be working hard to ensure Brazil are one of the two South American national teams that qualify for the 2024 Olympics Men's Football Tournament hosted in France this summer. We welcome Marquinhos back to the club and wish him all the best for the international tournament and his continued development."
Arsenal paid Sao Paulo a mere £3m to bring Marquinhos to the club from Sao Paulo in the summer of 2022, beating Wolverhampton Wanderers to his signature, and he made an immediate impact in North London.
Marquinhos's dream debut for the North London club saw him register a goal and assist in a 2-1 Europa League win over FC Zurich in September 2022, prior to the winger making his Premier League debut against Brentford later that month.
The Brazil youth international made six appearances for Mikel Arteta's side in the first half of the 2022-23 season, having earned his stripes at youth level in his first few weeks at the club, and he spent the second half of the campaign in the Championship with Norwich City.
However, as was the case with his spell at Nantes, Marquinhos failed to make a lasting impact at Carrow Road, only registering one goal and one assist in 11 second-tier matches.
Ben Knapton
