On Friday, David Ornstein gave the kiss of death to the Malcom-to-Arsenal rumours, and the Brazilian now looks more likely to join Tottenham, so how did we end up here?
Back in December, Spurs were actually one of the primary clubs chasing the player, according to the media.
The Mail wrote on December 30th that Tottenham made a £31m bid to try and get ahead of Manchester United. Arsenal were only a side-note at the time. The Gunners had sent scouts to watch the 20-year-old, but that was it.
In the New Year, Goal Brazil (via SI) reported that Arsenal had formally joined the race, and held talks with Bordeaux over a deal. The rumours continued for the next 10 days, until Ornstein finally appeared to confirm the Gunners’ interest. He called Malcom Arsenal’s “1st choice replacement” for Alexis Sanchez.
Malcom’s representatives visited London, presumably to speak to Arsenal officials. Although, it’s also possible they were there for Spurs.
Malcom’s representatives were in LDN meeting with Arsenal officials last night (via @ChrisWheatley_) pic.twitter.com/A4TD59ZjM7
— Arsènic™ (@MrArsenicTM) January 13, 2018
As Theo Walcott’s departure to Everton drew closer, Ornstein revealed that Arsenal planned to reinvest the funds this window. Aubameyang, Malcom and Mkhitaryan were the club’s targets, but the Gunners likely wouldn’t sign all three.
Then this week, it all fell apart very quickly. The Times reported that Malcom rejected a contract with Arsenal, and the Gunners couldn’t agree a fee with Bordeaux. The French club were unhappy with the North Londoners making their interest so public.
David Ornstein gave his most recent updates after that. He said the Malcom deal was off, and said after meetings between the clubs Arsenal decided they couldn’t spend so much on such an inexperienced player.
Goal Brazil then wrote that Tottenham then came back in for the winger. Ornstein confirmed their interest, but admitted he didn’t know whether the reports of an agreement were true.
For now, that’s all we know.
It seems like Arsenal are out, for now, but could go back in the summer (if that’s not too late).
The Gunners don’t have the luxury of a strong squad to ease a young player in. They need players who can perform right now, and Malcom doesn’t fit the bill.
If the Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan deals go through, I don’t think that’s a big problem this window.