Aston Villa are trying to sign former Arsenal prospect Donyell Malen, now a Borussia Dortmund star, as they look to strengthen their attack.
Aston Villa have rekindled their interest in Donyell Malen, the former Arsenal academy prospect now valued at £25 million by Borussia Dortmund. It is claimed they are already in talks for the player and have had an opening offer of £15 million+ rejected.
The versatile 25-year-old Dutch international, capable of playing across the front line, has caught Villa’s attention as they look to strengthen their attacking options.
Malen’s journey began at Arsenal when he joined the club’s academy in 2015 from Ajax. At the time, he was seen as one of the most promising young talents in Europe. During his time with Arsenal’s U18s and U21s, Malen demonstrated his skill set—combining technical ability, pace, and a sharp eye for goal. His versatility allowed him to excel both centrally and on the wings, making him a standout in youth competitions.
Despite his undeniable potential, Malen found his path to the Arsenal first team blocked by fierce competition under Arsène Wenger. While he trained with the senior squad, he never made a competitive appearance before departing in 2017.
His decision to join PSV Eindhoven was driven by a desire for first-team opportunities, and it proved to be the right move. Arsenal were reluctant to lose him but ultimately accepted a nominal fee (€600k) for his transfer.
At PSV, Malen thrived, quickly establishing himself as one of the Eredivisie’s brightest talents. His impressive performances earned him a high-profile €30m move to Borussia Dortmund in 2021, where he continued to develop into a well-rounded attacker.
Known for his agility, technical skill, and ability to score and assist in crucial moments, Malen has become a key figure for both Dortmund and the Dutch national team.
Villa’s interest in Malen is indicative of the club’s ambition under Unai Emery, as they seek to compete with the Premier League’s elite. However, prising him away from Dortmund won’t be straightforward. The German club sees him as a valuable asset, and his €25 million valuation reflects his standing in the market. Villa’s ability to offer regular Premier League football could, however, prove persuasive to a player whose contract expires in 2026.
In addition to Malen, Villa are reportedly exploring options to strengthen other areas of their squad. The club has spoken to Kasimpasa about Yasin Özcan, the 18-year-old Turkey U21 defender, signalling their intent to build a competitive team with an eye on both the present and the future.
Related Posts
