- Arsenal set to step up pursuit of Bordeaux starlet Malcom
- Gunners reportedly expected to launch a £35m bid for the Brazilian
- Youngster will be a replacement for Alexis Sanchez if he seals January exit
- READ MORE: Bad news for Pep Guardiola, Man Utd eye £30m swoop and £60k-a-week extra to land top target
Arsenal are reportedly set to make their move for their ideal Alexis Sanchez replacement this week with a £35m bid for Bordeaux’s Malcom.
The Gunners are seemingly going to have to admit defeat in their desire to keep the Chilean international, as he has just over five months remaining on his contract.
In turn, unless he pens a renewal he will be set to leave the club on a free transfer at the end of the season, unless Arsenal agree a deal to sell him this month in order to cash in and avoid losing him for nothing.
Either way, it doesn’t look too positive for those hoping Sanchez stays. As a result, the focus has to be on signing the right player to fill the void that will be left behind, and according to The Daily Mail, Arsenal will make a £35m bid for Malcom this week.
It’s claimed that’s £10m short of Bordeaux’s asking price, and so it remains to be seen where negotiations take the two parties and if a compromise can be reached.
Malcom, 20, has scored seven goals and provided five assists in 21 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit this season, and has seemingly got a bright future ahead of him having proven his talent in the early stages of his spell in Europe.
With versatility to play on either flank or through the middle, he’ll undoubtedly be an important addition to the Arsenal squad, especially to replace Sanchez who has been a pivotal figure in that deeper attacking role.
As seen in the image below, it has been claimed that Malcom’s entourage was in London on Friday night to meet with Arsenal officials, and so the move certainly seems to be edging closer as he would become their second January signing after the arrival of Konstantinos Mavropanos last week.
Meanwhile, the Mail also add that Arsenal want to add a defender this month too, and it’s not really a surprise considering their current options and recent defensive form.
Wenger’s men have conceded 12 goals in their last six games in all competitions, which is simply not good enough as they need to salvage something from their season now.
Malcom’s representatives were in LDN meeting with Arsenal officials last night (via @ChrisWheatley_) pic.twitter.com/A4TD59ZjM7
— Arsènic™ (@MrArsenicTM) January 13, 2018