The Gunners have already loaned out one of last summer’s signings after a strong start didn’t quickly materialise, but hopes remain high as Arsenal sign Marquinhos on loan at Norwich
Arsenal’s talented Marquinhos has fallen short of Martin Keown’s high expectations, but the decision to send him on loan to Norwich City may prove inspired.
The teenager arrived in north London last summer after impressing with São Paulo in his native Brazil and has shown signs of real quality in his first senior outings for the Gunners. The highlight of his short Arsenal career so far is undeniably his Europa League debut for FC Zurich.
Arsenal’s talented Marquinhos has fallen short of Martin Keown’s high expectations, but the decision to send him on loan to Norwich City may prove inspired.
The teenager arrived in north London last summer after impressing with São Paulo in his native Brazil and has shown signs of real quality in his first senior outings for the Gunners. The highlight of his brief Arsenal career so far is undeniably his Europa League debut at FC Zurich.
He claimed: “He [Marquinhos] looked a bit like a [Serge] Gnabry type player. He is short, stocky, with an explosive look. He looked very classy. Very good quality. He continued to produce. I think that’s great news.
“We saw [Bukayo] Saka, we saw [Emile] Smith Rowe start his career in that same competition. I think we see another star in the making here.
Speaking of Saka, weeks after Marquinhos’ scintillating debut, Keown continued to praise the Brazilian, comparing him to arguably Arsenal’s most gifted player.
“Marquinhos won’t play tonight but he played exceptionally well in that first ever match in Europe,” said Keown. “It was like Saka in that position, it’s almost an imitative performance. That’s what you’re really looking for.”
Things have not progressed as quickly as Keown might have hoped for Marquinhos, as the young Brazilian is currently plying his trade at Carrow Road rather than the Emirates.
Marquinhos has struggled to perform at his best and play a consistent run of matches under boss Mikel Arteta following his debut, but that’s not to say he won’t be a good forward and has plenty of time on his side.