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Arsenal’s Marquinhos close to joining Norwich on loan.
Arsenal winger Marquinhos is close to joining Norwich City on loan for the rest of this season.
Marquinhos is on the road today in preparation for the transfer, which won’t have a buyout clause and will probably be official within the next 24 hours.
During the first half of the season, Mikel Arteta utilized the 19-year-old infrequently. He made six first-team appearances, scoring on his debut while playing away at FC Zurich. He has also played five times for the under-21s, contributing two assists and four goals.
Marquinhos would play more frequently for the first team if he moved to Norwich. Since the summer, the Championship team has been looking for a wide attacking option. With Aaron Ramsey now back from knee surgery, that search has been sped up. Additionally, Todd Cantwell secured a long-term position with the Rangers last week.
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With their parachute payments covered through 2024, Norwich can only afford a loan agreement.
Marquinhos, a right winger who prefers to utilize his left foot, would be David Wagner’s first signing after taking over as Norwich’s head coach earlier this month. Kieran Dowell, who has played off that side and scored three goals and assisted a fourth in Wagner’s first two league games, will be his direct rival on the left wing.
Marquinhos will also be reuniting with former Sao Paulo team-mate Gabriel Sara, who joined Norwich last summer.
The move, while beneficial for Marquinhos, takes away Arteta’s ability to fully rotate when Europa League football returns.
New signee Leandro Trossard’s ability to move across the frontline will be beneficial, as will the return from injury of Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Jesus, but Bukayo Saka may still be required to play from the right.
Meanwhile, Norwich City are fighting for promotion to the English second division, with Wagner’s team sixth in the table but 15 points behind the automatic promotion spots.