Bordeaux manager Jocelyn Gourvennec has set the cat among the pigeons with his latest comments regarding 20-year-old forward Malcom.
Gourvennec continues to be rather chatty over the potential move of Malcom to the Premier League, even admitting the 20-year-old is questioning his future.
Interestingly though, instead of mentioning Arsenal as the forward’s potential destination, Gourvennec name-dropped Liverpool during his recent presser.
Arsenal are the bookies’ favourites to sign him, and are worth backing with these best free bet offers available, but Liverpool are reportedly also in the running.
“I can’t deny that he’s being followed by a lot of people,” Gourvennec said.
“With Malcom, I go from day-to-day. He’s committed. He’s a bit like he was in the summer – I wouldn’t say he has been disturbed by it, that’s a bit strong, he’s not disturbed, but he is asking questions.
“He’s asking himself what’s the best thing for him, for his future. That’s logical. If he’s asking questions and he still manages to make assists or score goals, it’ll be fine.
“If Liverpool want you to work for them tomorrow, you’d go. I’m a coach, I’d like to be able to count on Malcom, Malcom has to help us. There is one person who decides in this, that’s the majority shareholder. He talked about this at the weekend, but football remains football.”
The Gunners have been the main club in the frame to sign Malcom so far. However, on Tuesday, reports emerged claiming Liverpool could be aiming to hijack the £44.5m move.
Spurs have also been linked but are said to only be able to pay £31m.
Is Gourvennec just being clever and trying to bait Arsenal into spending more money on the youngster? Or are Liverpool genuinely going to come in and sign him?
Bordeaux reportedly want £44.5m for Malcom and Arsenal allegedly agreed to cough up £40m.
Liverpool, however, were recently said to have bid £49m for Riyad Mahrez, demonstrating just how much money they’re willing to spend to reinforce their attack this month.
If they’re willing to meet Bordeaux’s full asking price and the Gunners aren’t, it’s surely a no-brainer for the Ligue 1 side?
Interestingly, Gourvennec’s comments don’t actually contradict the club’s president’s claims. On Tuesday, Stéphane Martin insisted that Arsenal haven’t made any contact over the player despite reports of a meeting over the weekend.
Perhaps we haven’t and Liverpool are the only club in line to sign the forward.
The BBC’s David Ornstein reckons it’s unlikely that Arsenal will sign Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Malcom.
Everton close to agreement with Arsenal to sign Theo Walcott for in excess of £20m. #EFC football/financial offer beat rivals. Likely played last #AFC game (397 apps, 108 goals). Money to go towards transfers – Aubameyang/Malcom + Mkhitaryan (Sanchez swap), unlikely to get all 3
— David Ornstein (@bbcsport_david) January 16, 2018
With the first two deals reportedly edging closer, it does seem as if the Gunners have bowed out of the race for the 20-year-old.