When there’s a big story brewing, like that of Malcom’s potential transfer to Arsenal (if Alexis Sanchez leaves for one of the Manchester clubs), it’s always good to see what the local newspapers have to say.
Generally well-informed, they often offer a different perspective to the nationals, having built strong relationships with the club over the years.
Sud-Ouest are the ones who deal with Bordeaux, and their Monday edition has a lengthy article on the Brazilian’s situation, and, while the official line from the club is ‘nothing has changed’ with Malcom not going anywhere before the summer, a push from Arsenal is expected in the coming days, after Tuesday’s game against Caen.
The question now is whether or not the offer that lands on their desk is big enough to change the Ligue 1 club’s mind.
Currently in Europe to deal with the transfers of Guiherme Arana to Sevilla and (potentially) John Mendoza to Amiens, Malcom’s agents are reported to be talking to various big clubs, with more meetings expected to take place on Monday.
A price of €50m has been thrown around regarding Bordeaux’s valuation for next summer, but, taking everything into account, including his availability for European competitions, his age and his contract situation (three-and-a-half years left on his current deal), a move in January could be more expensive.
Therefore, Sud-Ouest state that ‘if Arsenal do come forward, the Gunners will have to be very convincing financially’.
As for Malcom himself, the 20-year-old is ‘seduced’ by all the interest in him, and isn’t hiding it, but he’s also been known to follow his family’s and professional entourage’s counsel, and his performance on Saturday (an assist in a 1-0 win against Troyes away) is proof for the local newspaper the Brazilian still cares about the French club.
The question is, for how long?
