Arsenal Players

General Information

Marcus Vinicius Oliveira Alencar (born April 5, 2003), commonly known as Marquinhos, is a Brazilian winger recognised for his pace, technical skill, and ability to create chances from wide areas. After making his name at São Paulo, he joined Arsenal in 2022 as part of the club’s drive to secure exciting young talent for the future.

Early Life and Career in Brazil
Marquinhos was born in São Paulo, Brazil, where he developed his footballing skills from a young age. A product of São Paulo’s renowned youth academy, he grew up idolising Brazilian wingers and attackers known for flair and creativity. His ability to run at defenders, combine sharp dribbling with close control, and deliver dangerous crosses set him apart early on.

He made his professional debut for São Paulo in 2021 at just 18 years old. Despite his youth, he earned a place in the first team and gained valuable experience in Brazil’s Série A and Copa Libertadores. His progress quickly attracted attention from European clubs, and Arsenal acted decisively to bring him to North London.

Arsenal Career (2022–Present)
In June 2022, Marquinhos signed for Arsenal. Seen as a player with huge potential, he was integrated into the squad as a developmental signing, with the plan to gain experience both in cup competitions and through loan spells.

He made his debut for Arsenal in September 2022 in a UEFA Europa League match against FC Zürich, where he scored one goal and provided an assist, immediately endearing himself to the fans. Despite limited first-team opportunities in the Premier League, Marquinhos showed glimpses of his ability in European and domestic cup competitions.

Loan Spells for Development
To accelerate his growth, Arsenal arranged loan moves for Marquinhos.

• Norwich City (2023): He joined the Championship side in January 2023, where he made several appearances and scored on his debut. The experience gave him exposure to the physical and fast-paced nature of English football outside the Premier League.
• FC Nantes (2023–24): He later moved to France on loan, competing in Ligue 1. Although he faced tough competition for minutes, the stint allowed him to adapt further to European football and gain new tactical insights.

Loan spells have been central to Arsenal’s approach in developing Marquinhos, giving him the match experience required to bridge the gap to Premier League football.

Playing Style
Marquinhos is a versatile winger who can operate on either flank, though he is most comfortable on the right. His game is built around acceleration, agility, and quick decision-making in one-on-one situations. He enjoys cutting inside to shoot on goal, while also being capable of delivering accurate crosses for strikers.

He combines traditional Brazilian flair with a work ethic suited to modern football. Defensively, he is willing to press and track back, a quality that aligns with Mikel Arteta’s system at Arsenal.

International Career
Marquinhos has represented Brazil at youth level, featuring for the Under-16s and Under-17s. While he has yet to break into the senior squad, his performances in Europe could pave the way for future call-ups if he continues to develop.

Future Prospects at Arsenal
At just 21 years old, Marquinhos remains a player for the future. Arsenal see him as a long-term project, with the potential to grow into a consistent attacking option. His technical ability, combined with adaptability across different leagues, suggests he could still make a significant impact at the Emirates. Fans view him as one of the exciting young prospects who could follow in the footsteps of Arsenal’s other successful Brazilian signings.

Legacy in the Making
While his Arsenal story is still in its early chapters, Marquinhos has already shown resilience, determination, and flashes of real talent. With continued development, he could become an important contributor to Arsenal’s future successes.