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How Neymar returning to Barcelona could help trigger an Arsenal transfer this summer
NEYMAR returning to Barcelona could help Arsenal boss Unai Emery in his pursuit of one of his transfer targets this summer.
Barcelona want to buy Neymar AND Griezmann says Laurens
If Neymar returns to Barcelona this summer it would cause a problems for the Catalan giants due to his nationality.
For Barcelona to be in compliance with La Liga rules means they can only have three non-EU players in their squad next season.
Neymar, who is Brazilian, began the nationalisation process during his previous time in Spain and was only two months away from completing it, which would have meant he was eligible to apply for a Spanish passport.
However, as his record-breaking move to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017 halted the process, if the player returns to Catalonia he will need to take one of the three non-EU spots in the squad.
Currently Barcelona have Arthur, Arturo Vidal and Malcom using up those spots and it has been reported that Malcom, who only made just 15 appearances in La Liga last season, is the player Barca see as being expendable.
Arsenal boss Unai Emery is looking to strengthen several areas of this squad this summer and has been interested in adding a winger to squad.
The Spaniard is interested in signing Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha and saw a bid of £40million rejected by the Gunners' London rivals.
The Eagles are not keen on selling their star player and as they holding out for around £80m for the Ivorian, Emery is understood to be looking at other options.
Barcelona: Neymar’s return is a ‘complex transfer’ says pundit
Arsenal have reportedly already made an offer to take Malcom on loan this summer, with an option to buy the 22-year-old next summer, but it is understood Barcelona would prefer to sell the Brazilian now with all the money coming up front.
If Neymar’s return to Barcelona appears close it could see Malcom being shown the door quickly, and this would undoubtedly benefit Arsenal in their pursuit of the winger, but their are some issues the Gunners could face.
One potential outcome is that Malcom is used as part of a player swap with PSG, with Neymar going to Spain and his compatriot going in the other direction as Barca seek to keep a transfer fee for Neymar as low as possible.
Another issue Arsenal face is the matter of funds.
Emery reportedly has a limited transfer budget this summer of £45m and may find it hard to fund a move for Malcom, if he also wants to strengthen his defence as well this summer.
Arsenal aren’t the only team interested in the youngster, as several clubs have been monitoring Malcom since before he even signed for Barcelona and his availability will likely trigger several bids.
Malcom would appeal to Premier League clubs says Castles
Everton are one Premier League club reportedly ready to make a move for the winger, with Spanish publication Sport reporting that the Toffees are ready to bid around €35m (£31m) for the player.
Malcom’s exit from the Nou Camp might only be sanctioned if Neymar leaves PSG and the Brazilian has already made his intentions clear to the French club after missing a recent training session.
The 27-year-old’s decision saw him reprimanded by the Ligue 1 champions and the club released a statement declaring that they “deplore” the current situation.
"Neymar da Silva Santos Junior was summoned for the resumption of activities of the professional group of Paris Saint-Germain,” PSG's statement said.
"Paris Saint-Germain found that the player Neymar Jr did not show up at the agreed time and place, without having been authorized by the Club in advance.
"Paris Saint-Germain deplores this situation and will take the appropriate measures resulting from it."