Mikel Arteta has previously said that Marquinhos is ‘very popular’ at Arsenal (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal are in talks with FC Nantes over recalling Marquinhos from his loan at the French club in January, according to reports.

The Brazil U23 international headed to the Ligue 1 side in August on a season-long loan but has only been handed one start to date.

Marquinhos, signed by the Gunners in the summer of 2022 on a long-term contract, could now be set to return to the Emirates early, according to L’Équipe.

The 20-year-old winger has played six times for Arsenal to date, registering a goal and assist on his debut, which came in a Europa League win over FC Zurich.

Mikel Arteta hailed Marquinhos after that match and said: ‘He’s a player that is very popular, with no English, just with his smile and attitude has won the respect and admiration of everybody here.

‘It was a big step for him as he hasn’t played enough minutes with us but we were willing to give him the opportunity, I think he deserved it.

‘He took it really well and again, it’s another player that needs to keep developing, in order to do that we have to give them minutes and opportunities.’

Marquinhos has played six times for Arsenal since his arrival in 2022 (Picture: Getty)

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Marquinhos was loaned out to Championship side Norwich City last season, making 11 appearances.

He had spent his entire career at Brazilian side Sao Paulo before his switch to England, playing 42 times for his boyhood club.

Marquinhos won the Campeonato Paulista with Sao Paulo in 2021 and tasted glory at the Pan American Games with Brazil U23s last year.

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Should the Gunners do it?