Malcom close-up
Arsenal have entered the race for Malcom (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal have opened talks with Bordeaux over a move for £44m-rated forward Malcom, according to reports.

Manchester United are keen on signing the Brazilian but were put off by the Ligue 1’s asking price of €50m (£44m).

Jose Mourinho is desperate to add some creativity to his frontline and is expected to bid for the 20-year-old in January but Arsenal have stolen a march on their rivals, according to Goal.

The Gunners opened talks with Bordeaux ten days ago and are likely to place a bid next month.

Arsene Wenger is now open to letting Alexis Sanchez leave if a buyer meets the club’s £35m valuation of the Chilean but he wants a replacement in before letting the former Barcelona man leave.

Malcom close-up running
Bordeaux value Malcom at £44m (Picture: Getty)

Bordeaux would rather hold onto Malcom until the summer, where they’re likelier to generate a larger fee.

However, the French club will not stand in the plamaker’s way if he pushes for a move in January and could even request for him to stay on loan for the remainder of the season.


Mourinho recently bemoaned United’s lack of investment since he took over and claimed the £290m spent in the last 18 months ‘is not enough’.

Ed Woodward, United’s executive vice-chairman, refused to meet Inter Milan’s £50m valuation of Ivan Perisic last summer which has led to tension between himself and Mourinho.

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