Arsenal are seemingly eager to secure the services of Malcom on a six-month loan deal – according to a report by The Sun.
As we head into the final phase of the winter transfer window, the Gunners have asked Barcelona about the possibility of signing Malcom on loan until the end of the season.
But, is he really the spark Unai Emery needs in order to resolve his side’s attacking problems this season?
Malcom: An ideal fit for the Gunners
Arsenal’s woeful depth in the attacking department has already been well documented, with the Gunners struggling with lack of resources with each passing week.
Even though the offensive duo of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette have provided the goals, they have often lacked necessarily support from the other attackers, especially from a creative perspective.
Mesut Ozil has had a season filled with insipid performances and lack of confidence while Henrikh Mkhitaryan has also struggled with form and injuries, ultimately putting more pressure on the young Alex Iwobi to deliver the goods in the final third.
The acquisition of Malcom, in that regard, would appear logical given the circumstances, especially considering Arsenal’s lack of reliable options in the final third.
The Brazilian star is known for his creativity as he often cuts inside from wider positions in order to find teammates in dangerous areas of the pitch. He is also a technically sound attacker, who can link-up with his teammates and add more thrust into the Arsenal attack.
Another feature of Malcom’s game is the fact that he can inject more pace into the Arsenal attack. This is a feature that has been missing especially on the wings. His speed will also aid in Arsenal’s counter-attack which will add another dimension to Emery’s under-scanner gameplay.
But, what makes Malcom such an appealing target for the Gunners is his versatility. Indeed, the 21-year-old, aside from his preferred right-wing slot, can also be deployed as an attacking midfielder as well as a false nine.
This could prove to be useful, especially in a long season, where managers are often forced to rotate their squad week in week out. And with the Gunners due to take part in the knockout rounds of the Europa League this season, Malcom’s versatility will offer Emery the much-needed flexibility in terms of his tactical choices in the final third.
All things considered, Malcom is certainly a viable option for the North London giants as they aim to continue their push for the Champions League slots.
