Arsenal’s past decision to sell Donyell Malen might come back to haunt them, as the Dutch forward is reportedly in talks with Aston Villa over a potential transfer from Borussia Dortmund. Villa’s pursuit of Malen signals an ambitious move that could have significant implications in the Premier League title race.
A Journey from Arsenal’s Academy to European Stardom
Malen joined Arsenal’s academy in 2015, inspired by Gunners legends Dennis Bergkamp and Thierry Henry. He spent two years at the club before departing for PSV Eindhoven in 2017 for a modest fee of £540,000. Despite Arsenal’s interest in extending his contract, Malen opted to leave after a controversial comment from then-head of youth development Andries Jonker, who reportedly labeled him as "too fat."
Reflecting on his exit, Malen denied the claims, stating, “I have never been too fat. That is a nonsense story.” The decision to leave Arsenal proved pivotal, as the forward flourished at PSV, scoring 55 goals and providing 24 assists in 116 appearances. In 2021, Malen secured a £26 million transfer to Borussia Dortmund, where he replaced Jadon Sancho.
Potential Return to the Premier League
Now 25, Malen is eager to return to England, with Aston Villa leading the race to sign him. Villa have already had a £13.3 million bid rejected but remain in discussions, with Dortmund reportedly holding out for £16.6 million plus bonuses.
Malen’s versatility as an attacker makes him an attractive prospect for Villa. His addition could bolster Unai Emery’s squad, offering a dynamic option to complement their attacking lineup. More importantly, Malen’s arrival could pose a direct challenge to Arsenal in the title race, adding a layer of intrigue to his story.
Arsenal’s Missed Opportunity
Arsenal’s decision to part ways with Malen highlights the challenges of youth development and talent retention in football. While Malen’s departure was marred by controversy, his subsequent success underscores his resilience and determination.
For Arsenal fans, seeing a former academy player excel at a rival Premier League club could evoke mixed emotions. If Malen shines at Villa Park, he could play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the title race.
Conclusion
Donyell Malen’s journey from Arsenal’s academy to the cusp of a Premier League return is a testament to his growth and potential. As talks with Aston Villa progress, the prospect of Malen facing his former club adds a compelling subplot to the 2024/25 season. Whether Arsenal will regret letting him go remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Malen’s story is far from over.
