UK Edition
Tottenham new favourites to sign Brazilian star Malcom from Bordeaux for £35m
Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as the favourites to sign the Brazilian winger Malcom from Bordeaux for an initial fee of around €40 million (£35.3m).
The 20 year-old was a transfer target this month for Arsenal, with Manchester United having also earlier expressed an interest, but it now appears his most likely destination is Spurs.
It is understood that Malcom’s representatives met with Spurs in London earlier this week to discuss the potential move. Malcom is set to remain at Bordeaux for the rest of this season, before joining Spurs in the summer.
No agreement has yet been formally reached but there is an expectation that a deal will be reached. Spurs are expected to pay €40m although that may increase by another €10m (£8.8m) with add-ons for the highly promising forward.
Arsenal are believed to have shelved their interest in Malcom as they concentrate on attempting to sign Henrikh Mkhitaryan from United and the Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is believed to have decided he wants to sign more established players right now given he has sold Theo Walcott and with Alexis Sanchez due to join United. There was also concern from Malcom’s representatives, and Bordeaux, as to whether moving in January was the right time.
Malcom is regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in European football with Bordeaux, 13th in Ligue 1, expected to agree to let him go in the summer, and the player is keen to work with Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino.