The days of Alexis Sanchez at Arsenal look over, but while the Brazilian Malcom at Bordeaux is talented, the winger is not ready to fire up the Gunners
Arsenal and Manchester United have been strongly linked with Malcom in the past few weeks. The U20 international stole all the headlines in Brazil, when he played an essential role in helping Corinthians win the league title back in 2015. A move to Ligue Un side FC Girondins de Bordeaux shortly followed, where the Brazilian has seen himself gradually reach new levels every season.
If rumors in the English press are to be believed, then Malcom is the chosen one to replace Alexis Sanchez, in case the Chilean star was to complete his swap to Manchester City…or Manchester United. Arsenal boss Arsène Wenger has made it clear over his wish to retain the 29-year-old, but the reality could well be different. Can the Bordeaux-man fill in the gap left, with the departure of Alexis?
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Malcom is without any doubt, one of the biggest names in French football at the moment. He his having his best season in his professional career, with the evidence of having already scored on seven different occasions, while mustering six assists. What makes the young winger so impressive, is the way he has scored most of his efforts, as it often comes down to individual quality rather than tap-ins.
In fact, four of his goals have come from outside the box, highlighting his ability to make the difference from dead situations. While Malcom is a gifted dribbler, a creative outlet and a young sensation, he is not yet ready to fully replace a top star of the caliber of Alexis Sanchez. The Chilean achieved crazy numbers last season, ending it with 24 league goals and ten assists. The rising Brazilian cannot instantly make Arsenal fans forget about their departing Chilean and would certainly require a couple of months to fully adapt to the high tempo of the English game.
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In Malcom’s favor, Arsenal would be in desperate need for a left-footed right winger in case of Alexis’ departure, so he would be granted enough playing-time for his development, in theory. The Brazilian has already shown signs of a top player in the making, but it is still unclear at this point, as to whether he will be able to fully reach his potential. This is where the influence of the manager nurturing him in the next couple of years, will be a decisive factor.
Brazil boss Tite has made it clear that Malcom, who formerly plyed his trade under the manager’s guidance back in 2014/2015, is one of the essential players that he is tracking ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. A move to Arsenal would certainly attract the attention towards the 20-year-old, as Willian continues to be relied-upon merely as a substitute at Chelsea, whereas Philippe Coutinho is expected to operate in a central-midfield role at Barcelona. This would be the opportunity that Malcom has been waiting to grab, as the right-wing spot seems pretty much open ahead of the adventure to Russia.
