Arsenal Opinion: Why the Gunners should spend big to sign Malcom?

According to a report by Marca, Barcelona are seeking around £60m for Malcom amidst interest from Arsenal.

Malcom, 22, has not enjoyed much playing time under Ernesto Valverde in his first season at the Camp Nou after Barcelona had hijacked AS Roma’s pursuit of the winger in the summer. He has managed just 15 appearances this season and remains out of favour under Valverde.

Arsenal’s interest in the Barcelona winger doesn’t come as a surprise given the lack of a wide midfielder in their ranks. But to match Malcom’s valuation, the Gunners have to raise funds as manager Unai Emery will be handed a transfer kitty of £50m to spend this summer.

But the Metro claims Emery’s budget could be boosted by a further £25m if the Gunners manage a top-four finish at the end of this campaign.

That makes it so important for Arsenal to qualify for the Champions League and if they manage to achieve it, that’ll represent a solid first season for Emery at the Emirates.

And come summer, the Spanish tactician should then address some key areas. One of the areas is the wide department as Emery lacks options, with Alex Iwobi the only natural winger in the squad.

Thus, signing Malcom from Barcelona makes complete sense for the north London giants as the 22-year-old would help the club compete for major honours in the coming years. He may have struggled to make an impact at Barcelona but one cannot deny his quality on and off the ball.

Blessed with searing pace, ball control and dribbling skills, Malcom can rip apart defences single-handedly on his day.

The Brazilian is a fantastic dribbler and can hold onto the ball even in tightest areas of the pitch. His pace and direct running with the ball helps him stretch defences, making him such a genuine threat in the final third.

The former Bordeaux ace combines his pace, power and trickery brilliantly. It’s in the spaces that Malcom really flourishes, weaving his way between defenders before setting up chances for his teammates. Malcom possesses the ability to pick the right pass and a lethal left-foot that is capable of scoring worldies.

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Furthermore, the Brazilian wide-man will not only add squad depth but will also increase competition for places within Emery’s squad.

Verdict

Malcom’s qualities will make him so important to Arsenal, as Emery will look to challenge for the Premier League title next season. He will undoubtedly bolster Emery’s attacking options at the North London club and thus, Arsenal should not hesitate to spend big on the Brazilian, who can be a world-beater if given the right guidance and time to flourish.