Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has put a big dampener on rumours that the club were closing in on the signing of Bordeaux attacker Malcom.

At the weekend, The Guardian reported that the North London outfit were in talks over a £45m deal for the 20-year-old.

The Brazilian is believed to have been earmarked as a replacement of Alexis Sanchez, who the publication claimed is believed to be closing in on a move to Manchester United.

Various reports have emerged over the last few days regarding Arsenal's pursuit of Malcom, but now Wenger has spoken out about the speculation.

While speaking to the media during a press conference, the Frenchman poured doubt over a deal being made.

"I don't think we are close to [signing Malcom]. I don't think [that it will happen in January], no."

The Arsenal boss did not go into detail about the reasons behind this turn of events, but there have been suggestions that the club were snubbed.

The Times reports that Malcom turned down the Premier League outfit's contract offer.

As expected, Arsenal fans have been reacting to Wenger's comments on Twitter.

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