There remains much speculation regarding the make-up of Arsenal's squad next season, but manager Unai Emery is yet to make any notable additions during the summer transfer window.
Despite the signing of teenager Gabriel Martinelli, supporters want to see fresh faces in a number of areas, including at centre-back and out wide.
As a result of Wilfried Zaha's alleged £80m valuation, Malcom has been identified as a realistic alternative at a time when Barcelona are contemplating several sales.
However, Emery is also having to contend with an ongoing situation involving Laurent Koscielny, who is attempting to force an exit from the Emirates Stadium after a nine-year stay in North London.
The are pros and cons regarding the potential departure of the 33-year-old, although Arsenal seemingly have little intention of allowing the club captain to leave on the cheap.
Here, Sports Mole assesses how Arsenal could line up if Malcom arrives at the club and Koscielny is given permission to return to France.
Malcom has been starved of first-team action during his time at Camp Nou, with the Brazilian being provided with just 608 minutes of football in La Liga last season.
However, the 22-year-old would almost certainly be regarded as first-choice at Arsenal with Emery searching for an out-and-out winger to complement the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.
The former would still likely be used on the opposite flank to Malcom in order to keep both players in the team, but the introduction of the former Bordeaux man would leave Arsenal looking strong in the final third.
The knock-on effect would be whom Emery uses as his third midfielder. Alex Iwobi would likely get the nod over Mesut Ozil due to his superior work-rate, although Emery may also be willing to use three combative midfielders to free up the trio in attack.
Koscielny will only be used on a rotational basis should be remain at Arsenal, but his departure would give Emery less movement to manoeuvre when it comes to switching to a back three, at least until Rob Holding returns from a knee injury.
There may be times when Mustafi is required to play at right-back, meaning that Arsenal would be under pressure to find an appropriate replacement for Koscielny, who has made 353 appearances in all competitions.
body check tags ::
