Arsenal and Tottenham are reportedly among clubs that are set to be offered the chance to sign Brazilian forward Malcom by Barcelona.
According to a report by Spanish publication MARCA, Barcelona are set to put Malcom on their transfer list so as to create room for Neymar in the non-EU slots. The Brazilian forward is set to be offered to Premier League clubs, including North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
Malcom joined Barcelona amid controversial circumstances as he snubbed AS Roma at the eleventh hour to make the switch to Camp Nou instead. The move though, has not been a fruitful one thus far, with the Brazilian winger struggling to win over Ernesto Valverde over the course of his maiden campaign with the Blaugrana.
The 22-year-old started just 11 games all season, with a decent return of four goals and two assists in the limited opportunities that were afforded to him. And, his frustrations at Barcelona could be set to come to an end this summer, with Arsenal and Tottenham possibly being his suitors.
Barcelona are looking at the prospect of bringing Neymar back to the club this summer, with reports suggesting that the Brazilian has agreed personal terms with the La Liga champions. And, to make room for him in the squad, the Catalans will need to offload a non-EU player, seeing as La Liga clubs are only allowed three such players in their squads.
Currently, Arthur, Arturo Vidal and Malcom are the players occupying these slots. With Arthur one of the key players for Valverde and Vidal enjoying his role as a regular at the club, Malcom could be the likeliest candidate to be on the chopping block. And so, Barcelona are ready to offer him to Premier League clubs, with Arsenal and Tottenham being possible suitors.
Arsenal are on the lookout for wingers this summer, with Unai Emery bereft of a single natural option to man the wide areas. Several names have been linked with the Gunners of late, with Jacob Bruun Larsen another name appearing on the rumour mill. Malcom though, could be a fine solution for Arsenal as well.
Tottenham, on the other hand, could view the Brazilian forward as a possible rotation option to beef up Mauricio Pochettino’s attacking options. At present, Son Heung-min, Lucas Moura and Erik Lamela are the only wingers at Pochettino’s disposal. And so, Malcom’s arrival could help add a quality winger, which is turn might help with a sustained challenge on all four fronts next term.
As per the report, Barcelona favour selling Malcom to a Premier League club and if Arsenal and Tottenham go ahead with their interest in the Brazilian, a move could be in the offing. While Spurs would fancy their chances due to the fact that they can offer Champions League football, Arsenal can tempt him with more playing time.
The young forward prefers a move to Borussia Dortmund, but it remains to be seen if Barcelona are prepared to offer him to the Bundesliga club, whose interest in the player is unknown as well. For now, Arsenal and Tottenham appear to be the leading candidates to sign Malcom this summer.
