Arsene Wenger has shown substantial interest in Bordeaux ace Malcom (Picture: Mike Egerton/PA)

Arsene Wenger has been dealt a major blow with Bordeaux refusing to sell Malcom during the January transfer window.

The Sun claim Arsenal, who were looking to sign Brazilian winger Malcom as a replacement for Alexis Sanchez, have been told a deal will not be struck until the summer.

Malcom, 20, has been one of Bordeaux’s star performers over the past two years following his move from boyhood club Corinthians.

His performances have attracted substantial interest from across Europe and Manchester United were the first Premier League club to contact Bordeaux over a January move.

But the Red Devils have focused their efforts on a swoop for Alexis Sanchez, leaving Arsenal at the front of the queue to sign Malcom.

Wenger’s pursuit of the player appears to be futile, however, as The Sun say he will not be sold this month, with Bordeaux hoping to attract an even bigger offer in the summer after the World Cup.

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Malcom will reportedly be sold in the summer rather than this month (Picture: Getty)
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in his batman cap and headphones
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang continues to be linked with a move to the Emirates (Picture: Getty)

Speaking about Arsenal’s chances of signing Malcom this week, Wenger said: ‘I don’t think we are close to doing that.’

The French manager appeared to offer a glimmer of hope in the club’s pursuit of Gabon superstar Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, however, insisting he has the right character to play for the Gunners.

‘Overall you look at the achievement of a player over their career and usually his character has been used in a positive way,’ Wenger added.

Aubameyang’s career at Borussia Dortmund appears to be in the balance but sporting director Michael Zorc said Wenger’s comments were ‘disrespectful’.

‘We find it disrespectful to speak about players of other clubs. There is no contact with Arsenal,’ he said.

‘We assumed that Arsene Wenger would have enough to do to take care of the performances of his own players!’

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