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Arsenal Join Race To Sign 20 Y/O Brazilian Sensation: An Able Replacement For Alexis Sanchez?
By Bishwaraj Bhattacharyya
Bishwaraj Bhattacharyya
Former athlete. Now a journalist hoping to cover football no matter the league or country.
Reports have emerged linking Arsenal with FC Girondins de Bordeaux winger, Malcom as a possible replacement for a wantaway Alexis Sanchez. The winger has been in prolific form for the Ligue 1 side this season and has drawn the attention of many elite clubs. The Brazilian's talents are undeniable and has already been targeted by Jose Mourinho as one of the prospects to replace Henrikh Mkhitaryan in the right wing position.
Malcolm is a product of Brazilian club, Corinthians and primarily developed his game there with 73 appearances for the side. He arrived at Matmut Atlantique on 31 January 2016 for an undisclosed transfer fee. Ever since his arrival Malcolm has taken the Ligue 1 by storm scoring 7 goals in 18 games while also adding a further 4 assists this season. The Brazilian blood runs deep in his veins judging by the technical abilities he possesses.
Standing at just 5 feet 8 inches, the 20-year-old has a knack for breezing past defenders from the wide areas and break down the opposition half whenever he gets the ball.
He has so far appeared 2 times in the Brazilian U23 side and has a long way to go before he can partner up with Neymar in the senior national team.
The departure of Alexis Sanchez is almost inevitable and the fans at Emirates are sitting under the looming dark cloud every day. The Chilean has lost all his love for the side judging by his performances in recent weeks.
A sensational attacker with the power to solely take over games on his own, Sanchez has turned into a shadow of his usual self. Be it the dissatisfaction of winning no major trophies other than the FA Cup or the unmet wage bill he is demanding, the 29-year-old has one foot out of the door already.
Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola holds Sanchez to high praise and was eager to sign him in the summer with a 60m bid. But Arsene Wenger refused and this further upset the former Udinese winger. Even with the side earmarked to win at least one big trophy this season if not a quadruple, Guardiola is eager to make more quality additions to the current squad and is in pole position to sign Sanchez.
With Mesut Ozil also in solidarity with Sanchez's contract decisions, a young talent like Malcom is necessary for a secure future. Can Wenger make the swoop ahead of Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur and sign the 20-year-old up on a blockbuster deal?
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