Arsenal and Tottenham are joined in a north London battle royale over 20-year-old Bordeaux winger Malcom, claims Brazilian media outlet UOL.
With Brazil national team coach Tite sending his assistant Sylvinho to watch the youngster this weekend, it’s no surprise that the Under-21 international is attracting interest from the Premier League giants.
Arsenal were heavily linked with Malcom during the January window but were thwarted in their efforts to sign him as a replacement for Alexis Sanchez. It’s understood that the Girondins hierarchy promised new boss Gus Poyet the youngster wouldn’t be sold until the summer of 2018.
Malcom claimed that he has been told he can choose where he moves to this summer, provided the interested clubs meet Bordeaux’s valuation.
“Yes, there was a promise that I will be negotiating in June,” he said. “I will choose the team, and Bordeaux will let me go.”
By virtue of Tottenham signing Lucas Moura from Paris St-Germain in the winter transfer window, Arsenal appear to be in the stronger position to sign Malcom. However, Manchester United were tipped to have agreed a deal for him last summer and Jose Mourinho remains an admirer of the winger.
Bayern Munich were also keen on the player, scouting him on several occasions although that interest faded when Jupp Heynckes took over at the Allianz Arena.
