malcom 2 — HUESCA, SPAIN - APRIL 13: Malcom Filipe Silva de Oliveira of FC Barcelona reacts during the La Liga match between SD Huesca and FC Barcelona at Estadio El Alcoraz on April 13, 2019 in Huesca, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Arsenal Gossip

Malcom transfer to Arsenal possible but Everton make better offer

Jul 9, 2019

The transfer of Malcom to Arsenal is ‘possible’ this summer, according to Kike Marin, but it would only be a loan move as reports emerge Everton have offered €35m to sign him.

SEVILLE, SPAIN - MAY 25: Malcom of FC Barcelona in action during the Spanish Copa del Rey match between Barcelona and Valencia at Estadio Benito Villamarin on May 25, 2019 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) — SEVILLE, SPAIN – MAY 25: Malcom of FC Barcelona in action during the Spanish Copa del Rey match between Barcelona and Valencia at Estadio Benito Villamarin on May 25, 2019, in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Arsenal are clearly in the hunt for a wide player, with Wilfried Zaha the most high profile chase of the window so far.

With that deal looking a distant possibility as things stand, reports started to emerge of the Gunners chasing the likes of Lucas Vazquez and Malcom.

Whilst Kike Marin denied any Arsenal interest whatsoever in Vazquez, he did admit Malcom was a possibility.

Is possible.

— Kike Marin** (@Kike_Marin_) July 6, 2019

Clarifying his comments later, the Spanish journalist confirmed it would be a loan move if Arsenal do go for the 22-year-old.

On loan, of course…

— Kike Marin** (@Kike_Marin_) July 6, 2019

This is an important distinction when judging the transfer. Signing a 22-year-old with good potential on a permanent deal could end up being a great move even if he doesn’t hit the ground running right away.

Considering Malcom’s limited minutes last season, that’s a strong possibility. He only just passed 1,000 minutes last season, fewer than 12 full games’ worth. It may take him a while to get back into his groove, particularly in a new league.

Only bringing the Brazilian in on loan would mean he has to perform immediately, or it’s just another year wasted. We saw that with Denis Suarez last season, and Arsenal’s ensuing failure to qualify for the Champions League.

Perhaps if the Gunners had splashed out £30m on a winger in January, they’d have Champions League football right now and make that £30m back as a result.

Making another bad loan move this summer could mean we’re back here in another year’s time facing exactly the same dilemma. That’s not to say Malcom would be a bad loan, but he’s certainly a gamble, as talented as he is.

Barcelona, however, may prefer to recoup some of the £36.9m they spent on him only last summer and Everton have offered them the chance to do that with their offer of €35m.