Dembele pursuit gathers pace as Al Hilal prepare to sell Malcom

Al Hilal are ready to listen to offers for Brazilian winger Malcom this summer, a move that could clear the way for a major push to sign Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele.

The Saudi Pro League champions have held informal talks with Paris Saint-Germain about the France international, according to previous reports, although negotiations have not yet reached an official stage.

Fresh detail has now emerged from journalist Sacha Tavolieri, who reports that Al Hilal’s hierarchy have decided to place Malcom on the transfer list during the current window after he fell out of favour with new head coach Simone Inzaghi.

The club are understood to have started sounding out potential destinations for the 27-year-old as part of a broader reshaping of the squad ahead of the new season.

Right-wing slot opens as Dembele link grows

Moving Malcom on would free up a spot on the right flank – the position where Ousmane Dembele is most effective – and is being interpreted as a sign that Al Hilal are preparing the ground for a serious attempt to land the PSG player.

Dembele, 27, is regarded inside the club as a strong tactical fit for Inzaghi, who is keen to add a winger with pace and the ability to decide games in one-on-one situations.

Al Hilal believe those attributes are precisely what the France international would bring, having been one of Paris Saint-Germain’s standout attacking options in recent seasons.

While no agreement is in place and there has been no formal bid, Malcom’s expected departure is seen as a potential first step towards any future deal that might bring Dembele to the Roshn Saudi League.

Inzaghi reshapes Al Hilal attack

Inzaghi, appointed this summer, is overseeing an overhaul aimed at refreshing a squad that has dominated domestically and is targeting further success at home and in Asia.

Part of that process involves trimming areas of depth to create space for new signings, particularly in attacking positions where Al Hilal already boast several high-profile names.

Malcom, who joined the Riyadh club last year, is understood no longer to feature in the Italian’s core plans, prompting the decision to make him available for transfer rather than keep him in a reduced role.

Al Hilal’s strategy for the remainder of the window is expected to focus on adding players capable of making an immediate impact in key positions, with the right wing now emerging as a priority area.

Should Malcom secure a move away and Al Hilal step up their interest in Dembele, it would mark one of the most high-profile transfer stories involving the Roshn Saudi League in this window – but for now, the situation remains at the preparatory stage, with Al Hilal reshaping their squad and monitoring the possibility of bringing the French international to Riyadh.