Arsenal have confirmed the departure of winger Marquinhos on a six-month loan to Brazilian side Fluminense.

The 20-year-old winger spent the first half of the season on loan in France with Nantes but managed just 149 minutes across seven appearances before seeing the deal cut short in January.

Marquinhos has now returned to his homeland with Fluminense, who confirmed they will have the option to make the winger’s move permanent at the end of a six-month loan spell.

“I am really happy,” Marquinhos said after sealing the move. “It’s a great opportunity in my career to be able to represent Fluminense’s team. I’m very happy and I hope we write a beautiful story, with titles and many victories.”

Arsenal signed Marquinhos from Sao Paulo in the summer of 2022 and immediately had high hopes that he would be able to slot straight into the first team like another Brazilian youngster, Gabriel Martinelli.

However, Marquinhos would make just six appearances across the first half of the 2022/23 campaign, including a solitary minute in the Premier League, before being loaned to Norwich City.

He would play 11 times in the Championship but, after netting a goal and an assist on his debut, struggled to make an impact before his return to Arsenal last summer set up a switch to Nantes which was cut short.

Should Fluminense decline to trigger their purchase clause, Marquinhos will return to Arsenal in the summer. He remains under contract with the Gunners until 2027.