Arsenal: Malcom lands Gunners on belated bandwagon

Arsenal are tied to another creative attacking player, this time to someone who can bring them onto a much belated bandwagon of creative attacking players.

Arsenal are going to be linked to some exciting players as the Alexis Sanchez escapades play out, and the latest name to join the list is no exception – Malcom.

The 20-year-old Bordeaux attacker has seen his stock rise massively since his transfer from Brazilian side Corinthians. He settled in with his first full season at Bordeaux last year, accumulating seven goals and four assists in a solid 2700 minutes of play.

In his second year, this year, he has already matched that total through half the minutes played. And, reminder, he’s just 20.

The price tag isn’t exactly flattering (£44m) but it’s not as outlandish as it could be for a lad with so much clear potential and such an upward trajectory. He is in a very similar situation as Leon Bailey, where the potential is massive, but you don’t have to automatically slot him into a starter role like you would a big-time guy like Julian Draxler.

Malcom would also earn the distinction of getting the Gunners onto the Brazilian bandwagon. The South American powerhouse is a factory of individual attacking flair, the like of which the Gunners have avoided completely (unless you count Andre Santos or Denilson….).

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Nearly every other top six team has touched the Brazilian magic. Liverpool is powered by it, Chelsea have maintained it, Manchester City are dipping in. Even Watford has scooped their own magic with Richarlison.

Arsenal, however, have avoided it. Perhaps it’s a matter of philosophy. Arsene Wenger is certainly one to emphasize the importance of team play over individual inspiration, which is what these Brazlian attackers are known for, but in the case of replacing Alexis, a South American with that individual flair, digging into the fountain of Brazilian flair certainly isn’t the worst recourse.

Of course, along with his attacking flair and individuality, Malcom is a creative mind in the team set-up as well, as his eight assists can attest to. This year especially, that creative mind is showing up, as he has created two and a half chances per appearance. That’s an entire 1.0 increase over his last season which, for a 20-year-old, is ideally a sign of things to come.

Next: 5 Things Learned Against Crystal Palace

Arsenal fans have often been found asking for a bit of South American magic. Can’t do much better than the foundry of that magic.

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