Arsenal and Newcastle’s 26-goal target sees dream transfer collapses

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Premier League giants Arsenal and Newcastle United are reportedly keen on Malcom but the Brazilian is open to staying at Zenit St Petersburg after a dream move to Paris Saint-Germain broke down. 

A big-money switch to Barcelona might not have worked out for Malcom – the former Bordeaux winger barely kicking a ball in anger at the Camp Nou – but it’s fair to say he’s found the going a lot easier in Russia. 

90Min say that Arsenal, Newcastle and Manchester City have been ‘alerted’ to Malcom’s potential availability.  

But, after a January switch to PSG collapsed in heartbreaking circumstances, the Sao Paulo-born 26-year-old is in no rush to get hurt again. 

Is Malcom really a target for Arsenal and Newcastle United?

“There was interest (from PSG). Talks. Unfortunately, it did not settle,” Malcom tells Onze Mondial.  

“But I will continue to work. We will see what happens in the future. And if (a big move) doesn’t happen, I’ll stay happy at the Zenith.

“If the discussions continue? I do not know. My future is my agent’s job. I only focus on football. A Kylian Mbappe – Malcom attack? First, I have to think of my team-mates here, because they are craques too.”

With 26 goals and nine assists to his name, 2022/23 is comfortably the best of Malcom’s rather mercurial career. But after finding himself stuck on the bench at Barcelona, it would be interesting to know if Malcom has any reservations about another stab at the European big-time, particularly given that he would likely have to compete for a place with Mbappe, Bukayo Saka and co for a place at his next club. 

“Malcolm is a top player for our league, and for European clubs like PSG or Arsenal,” former Russia and Zenit ace Igor Semshov tells MetaRatings.

“After all, he played for Barcelona. I think that Malcolm will not get lost in Europe. He will only improve. Here (in Russia), he feels stronger than others, even when playing at 70 or 80 per cent.

“It’s hard for Malcolm to improve here. Moving to Europe will be a plus for his career.”