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What's the rumour?
Bayern Munich have emerged as the leading contenders to sign a long-term Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur target. As per the Evening Standard, Bayern have shortlisted FC Bordeaux winger, Malcom on their list of transfer targets. The Brazilian has a contract with the French club until 2021 and is estimated to be worth for a price tag of £45 million.
In case you didn't know...
Malcom joined Bordeaux from Corinthians in January 2016 at just 19 years of age. In his first full season in France, the Brazilian notched up an incredible 45 appearances in all competitions scoring nine goals and making seven assists.
The heart of the matter
The 21-year-old has become an integral figure of his team. He has played a total of 2065 minutes in Ligue 1 thus far, contributing with eight goals and six assists. Naturally, as a winger, he can play both on the left and right flanks. In his career, the French club has also seen him play in other positions such as in the form of a secondary striker and an attacking midfielder.
Statistically, he averages 2.7 dribbles, 2.4 key passes along with 1.8 long balls per game in the league. However, with all the positives that surround him, one of his biggest weakness is that he does not track back to help out in defence.
Rumour probability/rating: 8/10
The winger was linked with a move to Arsenal and Tottenham in the recently concluded January transfer window.
Bordeaux blocked his sale on the demands of new manager Gus Poyet. Later, Malcom himself came out and alluded that he had wished to leave midway through the season but stayed at the request of the president, as reported by the sources of ESPN.
It is believed that the Brazilian is one of many targets for Bayern Munich in the upcoming transfer window. He has been eyed as a potential replacement for Robert Lewandowski, who is on the radar of Real Madrid and Premier League clubs.
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Author's take
Malcom will be free to leave Bordeaux next season. He is someone who will be in high demand with the attributes and skills that he possesses. He will bring longevity too in either of the three teams interested in him.
If Arsenal happen to be in contention for him, he should look to avoid a move to the Emirates if Arsene Wenger happens to stay.
The development of young footballers under the French manager has been scarce in the last five years. He will face competition from the already established and senior players at the Gunners, therefore, limiting his role to the bench.
