Aston Villa are on the verge of signing former Arsenal prospect Donyell Malen, now a Borussia Dortmund star, as they look to strengthen their attack.
Over the past week, it was reported that Aston Villa had rekindled their interest in Donyell Malen, the former Arsenal academy prospect now valued at £25 million by Borussia Dortmund.
It was claimed they were already in talks for the player and had an opening offer of £15 million+ rejected.
Now, it seems like a deal worth “around £20m” has been agreed.
The versatile 25-year-old Dutch international is capable of playing across the front line.
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 ability – 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.
In addition to Malen, Villa are reportedly exploring options to strengthen other areas of their squad.
The club has reportedly also 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.