London's "Arsenal" has decided not to try to acquire Bordeaux's forward Malcom, reveals football news portal Goal.com sources.
The 20-year-old has been seen for a while as a possible replacement for the departing Alexis Sanchez, but the Gunners have decided to temporarily step back.
The capital club was not willing to pay the requested fee of 44 million pounds sterling. However, Arsenal hopes to attract the Brazilian in the summer.
Malcom has essentially expressed his desire to leave the Ligue 1 championship and work with Arsene Wenger, but Bordeaux, currently in 13th place in the standings, is not yet willing to let him go.
Arsenal will try to take advantage of Tottenham's hesitation in considering the French conditions.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are currently finalizing negotiations for the acquisitions of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, so Malcom remaining in France this winter would not be a big loss for them.
This was recently confirmed by their manager at a press conference.
"I don't think we are close (to signing Malcom)," said Wenger. "I don't think (the transfer will happen in January), no."
