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Barcelona pip AS Roma to sign Malcom from Bordeaux
Brazilian winger Malcom appeared on the brink of joining Roma, but has now instead signed for LaLiga champions Barcelona.
Barcelona have announced the €41million signing of Bordeaux winger Malcom, who had appeared set to join Serie A side Roma.
The Brazilian attacker has agreed a five-year contract and will undergo his medical tests on Wednesday before joining the Catalan giants on the club’s pre-season tour.
Premier League giants Arsenal and Tottenham were reportedly interested in the 21-year-old but Roma emerged as the most likely contenders for his signature this week.
Bordeaux announced on Monday that a €40m deal had been agreed with Roma, but Malcom reportedly rejected the switch in favour of a move to Camp Nou.
Malcom - who scored 12 goals in Ligue 1 last season - has developed into one of Europe’s hottest talents since his arrival from Corinthians in 2016.
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And the Brazilian will now have a chance to impress in LaLiga having sealed a move to champions Barca, who also won the Copa del Rey under Ernesto Valverde last term.
Malcom joins compatriot Arthur - also uncapped - in the Barca squad for the 2018-19 campaign, with the Catalans getting their title defence underway against Deportivo Alaves on August 19.
The deal includes a further €1m in add-ons on top of the intial €41m.
Malcom scored 23 goals and contributed 16 assists in 96 games for Bordeaux in his two-and-a-half seasons at the club.
