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Report: Arsenal to join Everton in race for Barcelona forward Malcom

Lee Clarke

Thu 11 July 2019 7:45, UK

Premier League outfit Arsenal are keen to land Barcelona forward Malcom this summer, , as they look towards alternatives for Wilfried Zaha.

The La Liga champions are willing to offload the Brazilian during the transfer window and Everton are also keen on securing his services.

Marco Silva is hopeful of winning the race to land the player but the Gunners now hold a desire to enter the race.

The offer from the Merseysiders stands at £31.5 million and with a restricted budget, it seems unlikely that Arsenal can match that.

Unai Emery is hopeful that the Gunners can strike a deal by offering Barcelona staggered payments as opposed to a lump sum.

Arsenal’s attempt to sign Zaha looks doomed right now. The Gunners’ bid of £40 million has been rejected by Crystal Palace, with his club holding out for more.

Malcom arrived at the Nou Camp in 2018 from Bordeaux but has failed to hold down a regular place in the team. Last season he managed just four goals and two assists from 24 appearances.

TBR Verdict

It is little surprise that Arsenal are looking towards alternative options to Zaha, especially with Palace digging their heels in.

Malcom, however, would represent a pretty underwhelming contingency plan for the Gunners.

The youngster hasn’t really cut it at Barcelona and Zaha would represent a much better option for Emery – even if he would cost considerably more.

With a restricted budget at the Gunners this summer every transfer must hit the ground running. Given his form in Spain, there is absolutely zero evidence that the Brazilian would do that at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal currently have enough passengers in their squad and perhaps they should allow Everton to win this race.

Zaha is a better player for the Gunners right now and they should remain patient in that particular quest.