Marquinhos is set to stay with Arsenal until at least the January transfer window, after impressing with the club’s u21 side.

After three goals and an assist in his first two competitive games for the Arsenal u21s, Marquinhos is making a strong case for senior opportunities.

There are a couple of ways that could happen, with the Brazilian u20 international either going out on loan or taking advantage of Arsenal’s hectic fixture list, now that they’re returned to the Europa League.

Mikel Arteta has suggested it will be the latter, ruling out a loan move before January.

“Very happy with him,” Arteta said. “He’s adapted really well he’s a really likeable figure even if his language is not great yet.

“We’re gonna keep him here for another few months and make sure he establishes himself and then see what’s best for his development.”

Arteta was in the stands to watch Marquinhos on his u21 debut against Manchester United, as the winger was involved in all three goals for Mehmet Ali’s Arsenal side.

It was a Marquinhos shot that rebounded off the goalkeeper to Khayon Edwards for Arsenal’s opener, followed by a goal and assist for the Brazilian in the second half. He then scored twice the next week against West Ham United’s youth team.

For the time being, it’s likely Marquinhos will stick with the u21s, probably starting against Chelsea on Saturday.

But when the Europa League and League Cup matches kick off, you’d expect him to at least start making the squad.