Arsenal have announced the sale of a brilliant player in a £2.9m deal, including a sell-on clause to ensure the club benefits from any future move
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Arsenal have officially confirmed the departure of Brazilian winger Marquinhos, who has completed a permanent transfer to Cruzeiro Esporte Clube. The deal brings an end to the 22-year-old’s three-year spell in North London, with the player signing a contract with the Brazilian Serie A side until 2028.
Marquinhos initially joined Arsenal from São Paulo in 2022 for €3.5 million but struggled to establish himself in Mikel Arteta’s first-team plans. He made just six senior appearances for the Gunners, scoring once and assisting once in a Europa League win over FC Zurich, before embarking on a series of loan spells.
His latest loan to Cruzeiro began in January 2025 and was initially due to run until December. The winger made 17 appearances, scoring once and assisting once, though his involvement was managed carefully in recent weeks to avoid triggering a mandatory purchase clause tied to 60% participation.
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Negotiations between Arsenal and Cruzeiro led to a revised agreement, with CNN Brasil reporting that the Brazilian club secured a discount of around R$3 million (£0.4 million) by paying the €3.5 million (£2.9 million) fee in US dollars instead of euros.
Marquinos (Image credit: Getty Images)
Despite inconsistent form during his loan spells at Norwich City, Nantes, Fluminense, and Cruzeiro, Marquinhos showed flashes of his potential, particularly at Fluminense, where he registered two goals and two assists across 29 matches and helped win the 2024 Recopa Sudamericana.
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Cruzeiro’s push to sign the winger permanently was led by Pedro Junior, son of club president Pedro Lourenço, and approved by manager Leonardo Jardim. The transfer includes a sell-on clause, ensuring Arsenal will benefit financially from any future move.
The transfer provides Marquinhos an opportunity to revive his career in his homeland, while Arsenal continue to streamline their squad and reinvest in key positions during the summer window.