Football Club Barcelona are keen to offload Malcom who joined the Catalan club last summer at the very last minute snubbing Serie A side AS Roma in the process.
According to a report from the Spanish outlet Diario AS, the Blaugrana club have slapped a price tag of €60m on the Brazilian but are willing to listen to loan offers for the 22-year-old as they prepare to reduce the traffic upfront.
On Monday, the player’s entourage had a meeting with the club to finalise the future of the player with Premier League clubs lurking around, especially Arsenal who are looking for loan deals in the current transfer window, the report adds.
The former Girondins Bordeaux player recorded a mere 1067 minutes last season, most of them coming from the bench. He managed 4 goals and 2 assists in 24 appearances across all competitions last campaign.
Let’s look at the three reasons the Premier League club, Arsenal must make a move for the Brazilian forward Malcom.
Player’s Versatility
Malcom is a versatile player who primarily features on the right-wing and possesses the ability to play across the front line.
This would allow Gunners boss Unai Emery to tinker with his formation every once in a while in accordance with the opposition.
It would also help in the squad’s rotation which would further play a significant role in terms of fatigue and injuries as Arsenal prepare to compete on multiple fronts next season.
He will also provide tough competition to the likes of Mesut Ozil and Henrikh Mkhitaryan who were sub-par in the previous campaign. With strikers like Aubameyang and Lacazette up top, there is every chance Malcom will wreak havoc for the Gunners.
Huge Potential
The 22-year-old, like any other Brazilian, is technically astute and is supremely comfortable with the ball at his feet.
His passing, dribbling, close control and ability to hold on to the ball in tight situations are some key features the Blaugrana forward boasts in his armoury.
The Brazilian also possesses the ability to strike the ball from a distance and excels in dead-ball situations, which is another key attribute that could help the north London side deal with low block oppositions.
His failure at the Catalan club has more to do with Barcelona’s coach Ernesto Valverde than his ability, who gave limited opportunities to the star.
Age, Experience and Hunger to prove himself
Malcom is only 22 years of age and has already plied his trade in two of the top five leagues in Europe.
He boasts decent experience and is bound to have learned a few things playing alongside the likes of Lionel Messi, arguably the best player of all times.
The Brazilian’s unsatisfactory stint at the Blaugrana club is bound to leave him hungry for success, which is another positive for his potential new employers.
If the move for Malcom turns out to be a successful one, the north London outfit will have a fine player amidst them as they look to target qualification for the Champions League which might help them in making the deal permanent if all goes well.
Stat Courtesy: Transfermarkt