Arsenal are considering a move for former academy striker Donyell Malen, currently of PSV Eindhoven, according to reports.

EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 24: Donyell Malen of PSV Eindhoven during the Group B match of the UEFA Champions League between PSV and Tottenham Hotspur at Philips Stadion on October 24, 2018, in Eindhoven, Netherlands. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
EINDHOVEN, NETHERLANDS – OCTOBER 24: Donyell Malen of PSV Eindhoven during the Group B match of the UEFA Champions League between PSV and Tottenham Hotspur at Philips Stadion on October 24, 2018, in Eindhoven, Netherlands. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

The Mirror claim in an exclusive from Simon Mullock that Arsenal are one of as many as 45 clubs watching Malen after the young striker’s impressive start to the season.

Malen made the headlines after scoring on his debut for the Netherlands against Germany, before netting five in one game against Vitesse. After another goal in the Europa League in midweek, he now has 10 in 13 club games this season.

The Mirror claim PSV Eindhoven want £50m for the 20-year-old, 100 times more than they bought him for in the first place.

Malen left Arsenal in 2017, turning down the offer of a contract extension to return to his home country, as he believed he had the clearest path to success there. It’s hard to argue with that assessment so far.

Arsene Wenger hadn’t given the then-18-year-old any first-team chances in competitive fixtures, though he had called Malen up for the pre-season tour shortly before his departure.

Undoubtedly, Arsenal’s critics will use Malen’s departure and following successes as a stick with which to beat the club. Given the player’s age when he left, it would be a bit unrealistic to expect many senior opportunities in a big-six team at that stage.