Arsenal warned they will 'struggle' to secure Malcom in January as Bordeaux hold firm over Brazilian
Arsenal have made the Brazilian forward, 20, one of their top targets as they look to add the “offensive power” that Arsene Wenger is craving with Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott expected to depart the Emirates Stadium this month.
The Gunners would likely have to part with up to £45million to get their man but even that may not be enough, with Martin insisting to L'Equipe that Les Girondins can keep hold of a player who signed a contract extension to 2021 last September.
“Things are clear with his agents,” he said. “We did not sign him to an extension and tie him to something, to let him go this winter. We have never had a discussion with Arsenal.
“From our point of view, it is nothing but hot air.
“They can always try, but they will struggle to take him from us.”
Representatives of Malcom were in London late last week as Arsenal’s interest in the forward grew but progress on a deal appears to have slowed as the Gunners look to complete the sale of Alexis Sanchez.
The Chilean looks set to be bound for Manchester United but the Gunners hope to take back a player as part of the deal. Though Arsene Wenger’s preference is for Anthony Martial it is Armenian forward Henrikh Mkhitaryan who appears to be the more likely option having been left out of the squad for Monday’s 3-0 win over Stoke.
