Zenit St Petersburg head coach William de Oliveira believes winger Malcom could leave Russia this summer.

The Brazilian international has had an impressive campaign for Zenit and there have been reports that Premier League trio Arsenal, Manchester City and Newcastle are keeping tabs on him. When asked whether there is a possibility that the player will move teams, de Oliveira said:

“I think it’s real. He scored 23 goals in Russia and is now called up to the Brazilian national team. This man played in Barcelona. He is 26 years old. Quite young. How much he wants or does not want, whether he succeeds or not (in a major European league), I don’t know.”

Zenit are reportedly holding out for around £40m to sell Malcom, which is a sizeable sum, especially for someone who has been playing in Russia.

Potential Transfer Complications

FIFA have actually given permission for foreign players in Russia to void their contracts so they can join teams in other countries.

However, it appears Zenit are expecting a transfer fee, which could complicate any deal. Due to the war in Ukraine, European teams have not had direct dealings with Russian clubs for well over a year, and you can’t see any money being handed over due to sanctions.

Arsenal are not actively looking for forwards

While the Gunners continue to be linked with attackers, such as Malcom, the London club are expected to prioritise deals for defenders and midfielders this summer.

In recent days, Mikel Arteta’s side have been mentioned as potential suitors for the likes of Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, Leicester’s Timothy Castagne, Flamengo’s Ayrton Lucas and Galatasaray’s Victor Nelsson.

While a move for a forward can’t be ruled out, with a recent report suggesting that Arsenal are keen on Chelsea’s Kai Havertz, it is likely that those sorts of deals will only be considered later in the transfer window.