Could Arsenal Get Malcolm from Barcelona?
The summer transfer window has been largely quiet for Arsenal. To this point, Unai Emery’s side’s biggest acquisition is 18-year-old winger Gabriel Martinelli, who was signed for about $7 million from Ituano in Brazil David Ospina. Danny Welbeck and Aaron Ramsey have left the club, as expected.
Of course, there is still plenty of time for the Gunners to make a splash before the Premier League season gets underway next month. While Arsenal may not enter next season among the favorites to win the English topflight, Emery’s side should still be in the mix to earn a spot in the Champions League. Be sure to check out this blog post to see what next season holds for Arsenal. Arsenal’s best chances of making a big move may hinge on whether Neymar makes the switch back to Barcelona from Paris St. Germain.
The Brazilian sensation has spent 2 seasons in France since becoming the world’s most expensive player back in the summer of 2017. PSG have won back-to-back Ligue 1 crowns during Neymar’s tenure, but European success has continued to elude the club. Despite the fact that they have fallen short of their goals, Neymar seems to have little interest in continuing his career in the French capital.
If Barcelona does wind up re-signing Neymar, that would likely mean one of the Blaugrana’s premier signings from last summer could be on his way out of the Nou Camp. Malcom, who arrived from Bordeaux last summer on a €41 million transfer, will not have an assured spot in the side if Neymar makes his return to Spain.
Considering Malcom is still viewed by most as a promising talent at the age of 22, one would imagine high-profile clubs from all over Europe will be lining up with hopes of securing his signature if Barcelona do make him available. Arsenal are one of the clubs that is reportedly interested in doing just that. However, the Gunners will surely face an uphill climb in light of the team’s failure to secure Champions League football next season.
The Gunners had their chance to do so but came up short in their loss in the Europa League final at the hands of Chelsea in May. It also doesn’t help that a potential Neymar move to Barcelona may well involve Malcom moving to Paris St. Germain as part of the compensation package.
Malcom struggled during his time on the pitch at Barca last season, but he was well down the pecking order on a side already laden with talent. Moving to PSG wouldn’t necessarily mean instant playing time, either. Arsenal, meanwhile, would likely be able to offer Malcom a more crucial role in the side next season.
If he becomes available, it remains to be seen whether Malcom prefers to move to a side with a chance at European glory next season. PSG recently signed former Barcelona right back Sergi Palencia, and the French side reportedly asked about the availability of Malcom during those negotiations. PSG reportedly offered to take Malcom on loan without the option to buy.
Some Serie A sides have also been linked with a move for Malcom. While Arsenal are also interested in a loan, Barcelona may well be looking to sell just a year after buying the Brazilian. Malcom came up through France, though, and reports indicate that he is interested in a move back, if possible.
The Gunners look like a long shot to land the 22-year-old at this point, but a lot can change over the course of a summer transfer window.
