Everton are in advanced talks to sign Arsenal-linked Malcom from Bordeaux, according to reports.

Sky sources claim the Bordeaux chairman is set to meet with Everton on Thursday to hash out a deal for Malcom’s transfer. Reportedly a £30m transfer is being discussed, plus add ons. The Brazilian would get a five-year contract with Everton worth £80,000-a-week.

It’s certainly not surprising to see Malcom moving on from Bordeaux this summer. In March he told the media he wanted a move to a big club, and he was learning English to try and make that dream a reality. Before that, in February, the winger explained that the Ligue 1 side had agreed to let him go this summer.

The only unexpected part of the story is that it’s Everton buying the player. In another interview in March, Malcom said that playing for Arsenal, Tottenham or Bayern Munich would be his ‘dream’. The media linked him heavily to all three clubs back in January. Now, he’s seemingly moving to Merseyside instead.

It’s not the first time something like this has happened. Jean Seri was reportedly ‘close’ to Barcelona, Chelsea and Arsenal for months on end, then he signed for Fulham. Henry Onyekuru was seemingly a done deal for Arsenal last summer, then he joined Everton. Agents tend to use the Gunners to generate interest in their clients.

In this case, though, Arsenal really could do with a player like Malcom. They might want to think about hijacking the deal soon, or they’ll miss their chance.