Arsenal have been dealt a blow as Bayern Munich have entered the race for Malcom’s signature, reports Sport Bild. The 21-year-old forward, who plays for Girondins Bordeaux, has been linked with a move away from the Matmut Atlantique which could lead to a bidding war this summer.

In addition to Arsenal and Bayern, Tottenham Hotspur have also been named as suitors and Malcom has publicly admitted being flattered by the interest in his signature, suggesting it would be a dream to play for any one of the three clubs.

The Brazilian u23 international would cost in excess of £45m, says The Sun, but the Gunners might now struggle landing his signature given all the competition. Bayern boss Jupp Heynckes admitted: “(Malcom) is certainly in the focus of our scouting department, like many other players as well.

“(Sporting director) Hasan Salihamidzic has very clear ideas and is driving forward the plans for next season. He knows exactly who is in our sights and which players he would like to have. He has high quality players in mind.”

Malcom, who joined Bordeaux from Corinthians in 2016, has scored and created 14 goals in 25 Ligue 1 games this season. He’s contracted until 2021 but is expected to move sooner given how many European giants are keen to procure him from France.

Arsenal have a lot of attacking options in their side – Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Danny Welbeck, Mesut Ozil, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alex Iwobi – so Malcom might not be their priority in the summer transfer window.