Arsenal steps up interest in Ligue 1 star Malcom and expect to begin talks with Bordeaux over a January transfer amidst competition from Manchester United.
According to Calciomercato, Arsenal are ready to step up their chase for Bordeaux star Malcom as Alexis Sanchez’s replacement. The Brazilian is identified as the perfect replacement for Arsenal talisman Alexis Sanchez and the Gunners are ready to battle Manchester United for the player.
Arsenal are at crossroads with their position in the transfer market partly due to their form in recent times. Arsenal risk losing Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez for free at the end of the season, as they run down their respective deals.
Alexis Sanchez’s situation is more closely scrutinised for there is a belief in the Arsenal fanbase that he’s sure to leave. There is still hope of Mesut Ozil staying beyond the current season, as his stalling of a new deal are for different reasons than Alexis’.
Alexis Sanchez was set on a move to Manchester City, and despite Arsenal’s firm stance throughout the summer, they accepted City’s 60 million deal on deadline day. However, the deal did fall through in the nick of time, due to Arsenal’s failure to sign Thomas Lemar, despite Monaco accepting a late £90 million bid.
Thomas Lemar was viewed as Sanchez’ ideal replacement but Liverpool have entered the race and seem to be the one leading the chase.
It is understood Arsenal may accept a reasonable offer from City for the Chilean in January. On the other hand, European clubs could also sign him on a pre-contract. Although, Arsenal’s willingness to re-coup something in the market could sway the deal in City’s favour.
Other than Lemar, Arsene Wenger also has his sights on Crystal Palace livewire Wilfried Zaha, but there has been no official offer made yet. Speculation was ripe back in November when he was linked with a £35 million move to the Emirates, but Wenger seems to have switched his attention towards Malcom.
Malcom’s rise at Bordeaux hasn’t gone unnoticed and there has been significant interest from Manchester United and Arsenal, although The Gunners are thought to be ahead with a proposed meeting set to take place with the player’s legal team.
Bordeaux has said to value the player around €50 million, but Arsenal are confident of sealing the deal. Manchester United’s interest in the player is also thought to be strong, as Jose Mourinho insistent on adding to his attacking options, partly due to the loss in the form of key players.
Malcom’s stock has been on the rise playing for Bordeaux, as this season the midfielder has already scored 8 and created four assists for his teammates. Such form has attracted concrete interest from Europe and England’s big clubs.
Arsene Wenger will be keen to wrap up the deal and knows €50 million would resemble good business for a young, rising star with a potential to become a superstar. It still isn’t clear about what the player wants or if some other club interests him more. But despite that, Arsenal are considered front-runners for his signature and talks are expected to begin soon.
