Everton are eyeing Barcelona forward Malcom who arrived at the Camp Nou just last summer from Ligue 1 side Girondins Bordeaux.
According to a report from RMC Sport, the 22-year-old has caught the attention of the Toffees who are preparing a bid in the region of €35m for the Brazilian.
Arsenal are another Premier League club which is closely following the development of Malcom at Camp Nou, the report adds.
The left-footed right-winger who has a contract with the Catalan club until 2023 managed a mere 1067 minutes across all competitions last term.
He scored 4 goals and provided 2 assists in 24 appearances but failed to stamp his position as a starter amidst limited opportunities under the Spanish manager Ernesto Valverde.
Right move?
Malcom is a bright operator who primarily features on the right-wing but is versatile enough to play across the front line.
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.
He averaged a pass success rate of 86.9% and managed 0.7 dribbles, 0.9 key passes per game across all competitions in the recently concluded campaign.
The former Bordeaux forward also possesses the ability to strike the ball from a distance and excels in dead ball situations.
Meanwhile, Everton boss Marco Silva seems desperate for attacking options upfront.
The Portuguese manager used the likes of Richarlison, who is at his best on the left or as a striker, on the right-wing to compensate for the lacklustre performances of Theo Walcott and Ademola Lookman.
As Walcott gets on the wrong side of 30, it’s clear that the Merseyside club needs a boost on the right-wing and who better than a 22-year-old Brazilian with enormous potential in his arsenal.
Malcom, who showed glimpses of his potential last season especially in the El Clasico against Real Madrid, could get a new lease of life at Everton if his move to the Goodison Park materialises before the start of the new campaign.
However, the left-footed forward who already has the likes of Barcelona on his CV has several flaws in his style of play.
He displayed a substandard work-rate in the defensive phase of the game last season and in general, exhibits mediocre aerial prowess thanks to his 5ft 6in stature.
The Brazilian managed 0.2 tackles, 0.1 interceptions, 0.1 clearances and 0.3 successful aerial duels per game across all competitions last season.
These red flags could prove detrimental for the Merseyside club, seeing the pace and competitiveness of the Premier League but at the same time, someone like Silva will have a lot to work with if he can land this highly-rated attacker and this is a move which Everton should strive to complete.
Stat Courtesy: Transfermarkt, Whoscored
