Arsenal ‘open dialogue’ with Barcelona over loan for Malcom with view to permanent transfer at end of season

ARSENAL have reportedly opened a dialogue with Barcelona over signing Malcom on loan with an option to buy at the end of the season. The 22-year-old remains a key target for Unai Emery this summer but the cash-strapped Gunners are restricted by their £40million budget. The winger made just six league starts for the Catalan […]

ARSENAL have reportedly opened a dialogue with Barcelona over signing Malcom on loan with an option to buy at the end of the season.

The 22-year-old remains a key target for Unai Emery this summer but the cash-strapped Gunners are restricted by their £40million budget.

AFP

The winger made just six league starts for the Catalan side last season following his £37million switch from Bordeaux almost one year ago.

With the La Liga giant’s closing in on a move for Antoine Griezmann, they are willing to cut their losses on the Brazilian for the right price.

And now Arsenal have opened discussions with the Spanish side over a move for Malcom, according to Italian journalist Matteo Moretto.

This follows reports from Sport that stated the Gunners have made an offer of a season-long loan with an option of a permanent transfer next season.

The Emirates club made a failed attempt to sign Malcom in the January window before they settled on misfit midfielder Denis Suarez.

SunSport have reported that Arsenal chiefs are set to hold showdown talks with billionaire owner Stan Kroenke in a desperate plea to increase their budget.

The priorities this window include Wilfried Zaha, but Crystal Palace demanding around £80m for his signature.

Kieran Tierney is also a key target at left-back, but the Gunners seem unwilling to meet Celtic’s £25m price-tag on the Scottish international.