Arsenal: Malcom disciplinary issues are both encouraging and concerning

Malcom has been reprimanded by Bordeaux for a social media video that shows him laughing alongside two teammates after a Tuesday night loss. The disciplinary issues are both encouraging for Arsenal’s pursuit of the player and concerning regarding the character of the individual they are bringing to the club.

How an individual serious and pressured situations tells you a lot about the character of that individual. It is easy for people mask themselves when everything is within their comfort zone, when everything is what was planned or expected. But when things go wrong or when change is imminent or when the pressure is on, the hidden aspects of an individual can come to light.

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That is very much the case with Malcom. The 20-year-old winger has been the subject of some rather intense transfer speculation. Specifically, he is allegedly at the heart of a North London battle, with both Arsenal and Spurs wanting to secure his services.

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Given Bordeaux’s struggles this season, it is fair to assume that Malcom would want the move. Either club represents a significant step in the right direction in regards to his career, they would likely both other a wage hike, and it would provide him with the chance to win major trophies, something that is an aspiration of every competitive footballer. So, it is extremely disappointing to learn of Malcom’s recent behaviour after a Bordeaux loss.

The Brazilian was involved in a social media video that showed him and teammates Cafu and Otavio laughing and joking immediately after Bordeaux were defeated by Caen on Tuesday night. The club have condemned their behaviour, stating that it shows a “lack of maturity, solidarity and respect towards the institution”, and they are right to do. It was extremely immature and irresponsible of Malcom.

From an Arsenal perspective, there are both encouragements and concerns to be drawn from this development. The worries are fairly clear: Arsene Wenger is a manager who has always prioritised the character of his players. This behaviour shows some rather serious character flaws that Wenger may not be willing to tolerate, and nor should he be willing to tolerate.

In contrast, it is not unreasonable to speculate that Malcom has mentally ‘checked out’ of his Bourdeaux commitments. Now, that is not to excuse his mistakes. They are evident for all to see. But it could quite easily be the case that, mentally, he has moved on to his future, whether that be Arsenal or Spurs. And that is encouraging for the Gunners. Malcom would be a good signing; it is a good sign that he at least thinks that it will happen.

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It remains to be seen how Wenger will handle the Alexis Sanchez succession plan. Certainly, Malcom could well be a part of that. It would be a shame, then, if his recent wayward actions were to derail it.