‘I’ve been average’ – Arsenal target Malcom admits he must improve

Bordeaux attacker Malcom has admitted that if he wishes to win a summer move to a big club, he will have to rediscover his top gear.

Arsenal, Tottenham and Bayern Munich are among the teams who have taken an interest in the 21-year-old, who has caught the eye this season with a series of spectacular performances in Ligue 1.

The player himself has admitted that his season will be his last at Stade Matmut-Atlantique. 

However, his performances have cooled off of late and after serving a ban for diving, he has yet to show his best level for Gus Poyet’s side.

“It’s a moment that I’m not playing well, quite average,” he told RMC. “I have to rediscover my level this weekend against Rennes.”

Poyet has previously indicated that his charge has been distracted by transfer rumours but the former Corinthians player says his head is currently firmly in the game.

“I’m calm,” he added. “I’m only thinking about Bordeaux. Everything else gets left to my agents.”

Speaking previously about the attacker, Poyet said: “He’s our special player. He likes to be a special player and it’s good for his character and his ambition to be a very good player, but it doesn’t work all the time.”

While Malcom has primarily played wide on the left this season, he has been tipped for a playmaker role against Rennes at the weekend in a clash that will be important in Ligue 1’s European race.