Arsenal to hold talks with Bordeaux over Brazilian youngster Malcom

Arsenal are set to hold talks with Bordeaux to discuss bringing Brazilian forward Malcom to the Emirates Stadium, according to reports.

The 20-year-old has been linked to rivals Tottenham but has emerged as a potential replacement for Alexis Sanchez, who is expected to leave for Manchester City next week.

Sky in Italy reports that Malcom has been valued at £40m by Ligue 1 side Bordeaux. The player recently posted on social media that he has been learning English, fuelling speculation that he is preparing for a move to the Premier League.

Reports suggest Manchester United and Bayern Munich have similarly registered an interest in the young prospect, who joined Bordeaux from Corinthians in 2016.

More on Alexis Sanchez…

The Independent’s chief football writer, Miguel Delaney, writes that Manchester United would be willing to trump Manchester City in both fee and wages for Sanchez, and even offer Henrikh Mkhitaryan, if they get any signal that the Chilean would move to Old Trafford.

While United are not yet actively attempting to hijack the deal, as they are well aware of Sanchez’s desire to work with Pep Guardiola, they are fully prepared to jump on any opportunity or take advantage of any hiccup.

Sanchez is desperate to leave Arsenal and join up with his former manager at Barcelona, Guardiola, in this window, but City are so far offering only £20m, since they could get him on a free in the summer.

United would be willing to go to £25m and offer Mkhitaryan, who has never really flourished under Jose Mourinho.

Jardim hints at Lemar exit

Monaco manager Leonardo Jardim has hinted that Thomas Lemar could leave during the January transfer window after admitting a club like his “cannot say no”.

Liverpool are currently looking for a replacement for Philippe Coutinho after his £142m move to Barcelona this month, with Jurgen Klopp reportedly keen to act upon his long-standing interest in the 22-year-old Lemar.

Arsenal are also interested in the winger and nearly signed him last summer, though, as revealed by The Independent, Lemar’s preference is to move to Anfield.

“You know how crazy the transfer window is... a club like Monaco cannot say no,” Jardim said.

“Today the market is open. You know very well how crazy the market is. There are offers that happen that a club like Monaco can’t say no to.

“The market, the numbers are very high so the situation can change at any time.”

Alli nearing new Tottenham contract

Tottenham Hotspur are confident Dele Alli will a sign a new deal that will double his wages, as the club attempts to tie down the core of the current squad to new deals, The Independent revealed today.

Although formal talks have yet to start with the 21-year-old, initial soundings have been positive, and the English international has made clear his happiness at the club and willingness to sign a contract that would take him up to £100,000 a week.

This comes amid numerous changes to the structure surrounding Alli, with the player having recently signed to CAA and Sports PR.

News and reports from across the web

The BBC report that Liverpool won’t move for Naby Keita in this window unless given encouragement by RB Leipzig.

Tottenham have made contact with Hamburg regarding striker Jann-Fiete Arp, the Daily Mirror claim.

Valencia have finally confirmed the signing of Francis Coquelin from Arsenal.

The Frenchman signs until 2022 and has an €80m release clause.

Watford are ready to sign Andre Carrillo on a permanent deal, Record say.

The Hornets have the option to trigger a €15m clause in Carrillo’s loan contract from Benfica, but they’re expected to try and negotiate for a lower deal with a sell-on fee.

Jose Mourinho has asked Justin Kluivert to remain at Ajax this month so that he can move to Manchester United in the summer, Sport say.