Arsenal star offered EXCITING chance to follow Balogun example
Robin Bairner
- 3 Aug 2023 12:33 BST
- 3 min read
After the success Arsenal youngster Folarin Balogun had in Ligue 1 last season, Mikel Arteta’s side are set to have the opportunity to send Marquinhos to the French top flight for a one-season stint.
Balogun proved a huge hit with Reims last term has bagged 21 goals in a spectacular campaign.
Although it appears that the USMNT attacker could leave Arsenal after having this taste of regular first-team action, the season in France has benefitted the Gunners immensely as it has allowed the 22-year-old to attract interest from some leading European clubs. Inter, for example, are following him, with Arsenal hoping to negotiate a transfer worth €50 million.
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According to FootMercato, Ligue 1 side Nantes are now eager to get a piece of the action and are in discussions with Arsenal over a loan move for Brazil winger Marquinhos.
Like Balogun before he moved to Reims, Marquinhos spent time in the Championship with Norwich last season, scoring one goal in 11 appearances for the Canaries.
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Nantes, meanwhile, are desperate for reinforcements after a disappointing pre-season campaign that has most recently seen them draw 1-1 with Hull City before losing 3-1 against local rivals Lorient.
“The Canaries are very interested in Marquinhos, according to our information,” FootMercato reports. “He has a profile that appeals to Nantes, who are eager to strengthen their offensive sector.”
Nantes a smart move for Marquinhos
Arsenal could be attracted by the possibility of loaning Marquinhos to the Breton side.
In Nantes, he would be exposed to regular first-team football and could even become an integral part of the squad, just as Balogun was at Reims. A relative lack of competition on the wings should guarantee this.
The Ligue 1 side also have a playing style that would suit Marquinhos, who could see a loan move as a breakout opportunity given the wealth of attacking talent Arsenal boast in their ranks.
