Transfer News: Arsenal eyeing late loan swoop for Malcom

Arsenal have reportedly asked Barcelona about the possibility of signing Malcom on a six-month loan deal as they aim to bulk up their attacking options.

After failing to secure the services of midfielder Denis Suarez, it looks like Arsenal have now set their sights firmly on Malcom. And as per a report by The Sun, the Gunners have asked Barcelona to allow the Brazilian to move to Emirates on a temporary deal until the end of the season.

As we head into the final week before the winter transfer window slams shut, Arsenal head coach Unai Emery is seemingly keen on securing the services of at least another attacker in order to resolve his side’s lack of depth in the attacking department.

Following the departure of Alexis Sanchez at the start of last year, the Gunners have failed to find a reliable option on the flanks, with Mesut Ozil having an underwhelming campaign while Henrikh Mkhitaryan has had his own share of problems with injuries and lack of form.

As a result, options are running out for Emery despite the fact that both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette have done quite well in front of goal. With Alex Iwobi also struggling to make a notable impression in the Arsenal first-team, the addition of a new attacker is absolutely imperative for the North London giants if they are to continue their push for the Champions League places.

Malcom, in that regard, appears as an appealing target for Arsenal as the Brazilian boasts excellent creativity as well as the raw pace that makes him one of the most sought after talents in European football, despite an awful debut campaign with Barcelona this season.

He is also a versatile operator in the final third, having played various roles during his time at Bordeaux. This could offer Emery with more options in terms of his tactical choices in the final third, especially with Arsenal due to take part in three different competitions during the remainder of the campaign, including the strenuous Europa League fixtures in midweek.

As for Barcelona, they could certainly afford to let go of their Brazilian star on a temporary deal as the Catalans have already been boosted by the addition of Kevin-Prince Boateng earlier this month. Ousmane Dembele has also been able to keep Philippe Coutinho out of the starting eleven, which is indicative of Barcelona’s depth in the attacking department.

As a matter of fact, shipping out Malcom on loan to Arsenal would prove to be beneficial for the Spanish champions as it will keep him fresh throughout the rest of the campaign before they brace themselves for his potential sale in the upcoming summer transfer window.

However, with time running out, Arsenal will certainly need to be decisive and a tad bit fortunate in order to attain the services of the former Bordeaux star, who will look to get his career back on track in the Premier League following his struggles at Barcelona.