Arsenal bid for Malcom is 'all hot air', say Bordeaux as they deny talks over £45m deal and insist it will be 'hard taking him'

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Arsenal will have a 'hard time' trying to sign Brazilian winger Malcom this month, according to Bordeaux president Stephane Martin.

The Gunners are keen on the talented 20-year-old as they look for a replacement for Alexis Sanchez, who is closing in on a move to Manchester United.

But Martin, who claims no talks with Arsenal have taken place, insists it will not be easy to prise away a player they value at £45million. 

Arsenal are keen to sign Malcom but Bordeaux claim no talks have taken place

Malcom, pictured against against Caen on Tuesday, is rated at £45million by the Ligue 1 side

Arsene Wenger had hoped to lure the former Corinthians youngster to the Emirates Stadium for £35m, but Arsenal now face a battle to land him before the end of the window.

'Things are clear with his agents,' Martin told L'Equipe. 'He has not had his contract extended this summer just to give him away this winter.

'We haven't had any discussions with Arsenal. From our point of view, it's all hot air.

'They can always try, but they will have a hard time taking him from us.'

Alexis Sanchez is close to leaving Arsenal, with Manchester United favourites to sign him

Arsene Wenger is considering a number of players as he looks to replace Sanchez this month

Wenger is weighing up his options as he prepares for the departure of Sanchez, who could leave this week.

United playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan is expected to swap clubs as part of the deal for the Chilean, with Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also under consideration.

Arsenal are working on deals for both players - and Malcom - but all three are unlikely to move to north London this month.