Arsenal will have a clear run at signing Bordeaux winger Malcom after rivals Tottenham dropped their interest in the Brazilian, according to the Daily Mail.
The 20 year old has been touted as the Gunners’ number one target to replace Alexis Sanchez if the Chilean international leaves the Emirates this month.
Spurs had also been tracking Malcom but Bordeaux’s asking price of £45m for the midfielder has reportedly put them off, and they will now look to sign other targets in the January transfer window.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was asked about the club’s interest in the Brazilian Under 20 international at the club’s pre-match press conference. The Frenchman denied that they are actively pursuing the player:
“He is a good player but nothing is happening. We are not on that case at the moment.”
With the BBC even reporting that the Gunners are targeting Malcom as Sanchez’s replacement, it seems Wenger may not be telling the whole truth about the situation. It’s likely the club want to secure the Brazilian’s signature this month before considering the sale of Sanchez.