Mikel Arteta is considering a January transfer u-turn as the winger is set to be ‘retired’ after just ONE start during his loan spell

MIKEL ARTETA is reportedly considering recalling Marquinhos from his loan spell in January.

The 20-year-old Brazilian winger was sent to French club Nantes from Arsenal in the summer.

2

2

However, he was once in the starting line-up in Ligue 1 and played a total of 88 minutes in the top division.

The Gunners hoped the youngster would benefit from regular playing time.

However, Nantes have failed to offer this to Marquinhos, which will disappoint manager Arteta and sporting director Edu.

Nantes even allowed the winger to play with the Brazil U23s at the Pan American Games in Chile this month.

Greek giants Olympiakos were close to completing a loan deal for Marquinhos before Nantes collapsed.

He was also discussed by Nottingham Forest before the Premier League side opted for Nuno Tavares.

Italians Bologna, Empoli and Frosinone were all interested in signing Marquinhos.

The report of the Mirror says Arteta is keen to bring him back to the Emirates if his situation at Nantes doesn’t change.

Then they will send him somewhere else to get his first experience with the team.

Arsenal loan manager Ben Knapper, who is joining Norwich City next month, is said to have been keeping tabs on all the Arsenal stars on loan along with Edu.

It is unknown whether both sides have included a break clause in the contract, but termination would still be possible if both sides agree that it would benefit the player.

Marquinhos signed for Arsenal in 2022 for £3 million.

CASINO SPECIAL – THE BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS

Memorably, he scored a goal on his debut for the club in a 2-1 Europa League win against FC Zurich.

Last season he moved to Norwich City on loan in the January transfer window.

However, he did not achieve the expected success and only scored one goal in eleven games.