Barcelona have reportedly named their price for Malcom amid transfer interest from Arsenal , but the deal could now prove prohibitive for the Gunners.
The Brazilian has failed to set the world alight at the Nou Camp ever since Barca nipped in ahead of Roma to sign him from Bordeaux last summer, scoring just four goals in 24 appearances for the club as he struggled to hold down a place in Ernesto Valverde’s plans.
The Barca boss has always been more likely to turn to either Philippe Coutinho or Ousmane Dembele to be the third member of the attacking trio alongside Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, and with Antoine Griezmann having now finally arrived then Malcom is already reported to be surplus to requirements at the club.
(Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal – who were strongly linked with the 22-year-old before he moved to Catalonia – have been linked with a move as they seek to beef up their own attack this summer, with teenage forward Gabriel Martinelli so far the only new arrival at the club.
Unai Emery is under pressure to improve the Gunners squad after they missed out on qualifying for the Champions League, but the Spaniard is operating under a strict budget as he looks to revamp the squad this summer.
(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
There were initial claims that the Gunners would only have around £45million to spend this summer, but while that figure could still swell, Barca’s £54million valuation of Malcom – via Marca – is likely to prove prohibitive.
Arsenal had a £40million bid for Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha rejected earlier this summer, while they have had two approaches knocked back for Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney, with a £25million fee being haggled over.
Real Madrid’s Dani Ceballos and Gremio winger Everton have also been linked with the Gunners , who face Bayern Munich in their next pre-season game in California at 4am GMT Thursday morning.
