Arsenal remain in discussions with Brazilian club Cruzeiro over the departure of 21-year-old attacker Marquinhos.

Despite talk that an agreement has already been reached between the parties, sources indicate the Gunners are still in ongoing dialogue with Cruzeiro over an initial loan deal that would also include an obligation to buy. Marquinhos moved to the Emirates Stadium in the summer of 2022 when recently-departed sporting director Edu pounced to beat to Sao Paulo's highly-rated teenage winger, who arrived in a £3million package.

However, despite the prodigy's potential, Marquinhos has failed to make the grade in north London and now looks poised to return to his homeland upon the completion of his loan spell with Fluminense.

He has made just six first-team appearances for and failed to build upon his promising debut when he scored and assisted in a 2-1 win at FC Zurich.

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Marquinhos has also spent time on loan at in the Championship - where he scored just one goal in 11 appearances - and French side Nantes, respectively. The forward has received valuable playing time this season in Brazil where he made 36 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals and providing three assists.

Arsenal are thought to be open to strengthening their attacking options during the January transfer window should the right opportunity arise.

Any fee the Gunners potentially receive for Marquinhos is likely to represent small change when compared with the financial figures they will be quoted for top stars like Matheus Cunha and Alexander Isak, both of which are admired by the clubs. Deals for either player this winter appear incredibly unlikely at this stage.

said earlier this week: "My focus now, honestly, is just about with the squad that we have to be as competitive as we possibly can and we have many, many options to do that, and if something unbelievable is available and the club is willing to do it, we'll have to consider it."

The prospect of landing an overseas player on loan would be of interest to Arsenal, though there is currently no suggestion they will be among the long list of sides pursuing a move for out-of-favour striker Randal Kolo Muani. The former Eintracht Frankfurt man is set to be offered around after being told he is free to leave the French giants next month.

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