Arsenal: Momentary Malcom pause might be a good thing

Arsene Wenger has stated that Malcom will likely not happen in January. However, perhaps the momentary pause could be a good thing, with a summer move for the talented 20-year-old providing Arsenal with the chance to tailor his untamed potential to what they desire.

As Alexis Sanchez neared an Arsenal exit with first Manchester City and then Manchester United his rumoured destination, the question, from a Gunners’ perspective, was who his replacement was. Arsene Wenger had already promised that they would sign ‘top quality’ players in Sanchez and Mesut Ozil’s stead. But who were these ‘top quality’ players?

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Initially, it was thought that it would be a 20-year-old dazzling Brazilian who was a rare, shining light in a struggling Bordeaux team.

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Malcom, who has attracted interest from around Europe, including North London rivals Spurs, is a rarely talented wide attacker. Boasting a wonderful delivery and end product, especially off his left side, with an exciting selection of tricks, sharp balance, and an ability to duck and dive his way past challenges, the Brazilian was rumoured to be at the heart of a £35 million offer from Arsenal. It seemed as though he would be the player that Wenger had highlighted as his Sanchez successor.

But now, just a week or so after the initial rumours surfaced, Wenger has denied the notion that the deal will be completed anytime soon. When asked about whether he felt the move would be agreed upon in January in his pre-match press conference, Wenger straight up denied it:

"“No, I don’t think we are close to doing that. I don’t think [that it will happen in January], no.”"

For some, that may come as disappointing. Malcom is certainly the calibre of player that Arsenal should be looking to bring to the club, and he has been a popular name among fans discussing potential Sanchez replacements. But perhaps, if Wenger intends to return for him in the summer, this could be beneficial for the club.

Certainly, of the names that have been mentioned as potential recruits — Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang being the most prominent –, there are other more ready-made options that would help the team more substantially now. And with Sanchez gone, there will certainly be pressure on his replacement to produce immediately.

Would it be wise to thrust a 20-year-old who has only played 18 months of European football, never experienced the Premier League, and has some maturity issues if his recent behaviour is anything to go by into that pressured position?

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Perhaps it would be astute to try and sign Malcom in the summer when there would be far less expectation of him in his first few appearances because there are already established, experienced contributors in place. It would be a shame to miss out on Malcom, but this could yet be a good thing. Or is that the foolish optimistic speaking?