‘Positive’ Talks As Roma Pursue Donyell Malen Despite Big Aston Villa Price Tag

Roma have opened talks with Aston Villa over a loan move for striker Donyell Malen.

Roma Want Donyell Malen

According to reports in Italy, the Giallorossi are chasing the 26-year-old, who has failed to nail down a starting spot during his year-long spell at the Premier League club.

Gian Piero Gasperini desperately wants reinforcements this month, especially up front, and Malen is now the latest name on the radar.

Roma’s pursuit of Joshua Zirkzee is in real doubt after Manchester United dismissed Ruben Amorim, while Giacomo Raspadori has not made a decision on whether to leave Atletico Madrid, forcing Roma to look elsewhere.

It is believed discussions regarding Malen are now underway over a possible loan-to-buy switch.

Indeed, the club are hopeful of securing his go-ahead next, while the deal’s finances must also be fleshed out.

The Dutch international arrived at Villa from Borussia Dortmund in January 2025 but remains behind Ollie Watkins in the pecking order. He has made 29 appearances this season, scoring seven goals.

However, only 13 of those games have been starts, and just five have come in the top-flight.

Donyell Malen Price Tag Revealed

Unsurprisingly, Villa do not want to make a loss on the frontman.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, they will therefore demand around £21million plus add-ons – the same figure they splashed out to bring him in from Dortmund.

But Roma may be tempted to push ahead with the switch regardless, with Malen seen as an ideal tactical fit for Gasperini’s side due to his versatility and electric pace.

Initial contact with the former Arsenal man in recent days is said to have been ‘positive’. Regardless, several stumbling blocks – including the player’s agreement – remain in place.

He is likely to be open to the swoop, however, with Watkins impressing as Unai Emery’s first-choice striker.

Gian Piero Gasperini Needs Signings

Gasperini had cast a shadow over Roma’s 2-0 victory against Leece by refusing to speak to the media post-match.

The 67-year-old ducked his duties to avoid awkward questions over the club’s stuttering transfer business.

Privately, he has requested four new additions, including Raspadori, Zirkzee, a winger and a new midfielder.

While Malen did not make this initial shortlist, he would inject some much-needed cutting edge. The fact that he can play out wide also frees up room for Raspadori, should he decide to join.

Gasperini met with Ryan Friedkin and now feels ‘supported’ by the club, but he is still evasive over potential incomings. Bringing in Malen would help to further bring an end to the iciness off the pitch.