Arsenal are considering loaning Marquinhos out in January, amid his strong u21 form and limited first-team appearances.

The Evening Standard report that Arsenal are weighing up whether to loan Marquinhos out in the January transfer window. The Gunners reportedly considered that possibility in the summer as well, but eventually decided to keep him for the Europa League.

That decision had mixed results. Marquinhos indeed made his senior debut against FC Zurich, providing a goal and assist that would ultimately help Arsenal top the group, but he only made two starts and one substitute appearance in the six games.

Wednesday night’s game against Brighton in the League Cup could be another opportunity for Marquinhos to start, but he appears to be competing with Reiss Nelson and Fabio Vieira as well as Bukayo Saka right now.

When Marquinhos drops down to the Arsenal u21s, he consistently impresses. The winger has four goals and two assists in his five Premier League 2 matches this season so far.

But that only emphasises that the 19-year-old could and perhaps should be playing regular first-team football. If he can’t get that at Arsenal, perhaps a loan is for the best.

Wednesday’s League Cup fixture is sure to play a major role in the eventual decision. For a start, we’ll see whether or not Marquinhos can get a game in these sorts of matches. If he does, we’ll see whether he can impress against Premier League opposition.

If Arsenal win the match, they’ll have at least one more League Cup match to come in December, and potentially another three in January. If they lose, the fixture list congestion eases a little.

So if Marquinhos starts and Arsenal win on Wednesday, perhaps that helps to push them to keep him around, at least until later in the January window.

But if Marquinhos is on the bench or Arsenal exit the competition, it opens the door wider for a loan.