Aston Villa Pursues Donyell Malen

Aston Villa is reportedly in advanced negotiations with Borussia Dortmund for forward Donyell Malen, as confirmed by renowned journalist David Ornstein. The club is seeking to bolster its attacking lineup as the demands of the 2024/25 season intensify—all while navigating the challenging landscape of both Premier League and Champions League commitments.

Current Standings and Need for Strengthening

Currently sitting ninth in the Premier League table and six points behind Chelsea in fourth place, Unai Emery's team has managed to qualify for the next stage of Europe's elite competition. However, they are keen on strengthening their squad further, especially after the departure of star player Moussa Diaby over the summer.

Villa's Offer and Dortmund's Valuation

According to Ornstein, Villa has tabled an offer of £14.9 million (€18 million, $18.6 million) plus potential add-ons for Malen, a player who has found the back of the net 107 times in his career. Unfortunately for Villa, this bid does not meet Dortmund's valuation, putting the deal in jeopardy.

Financial Constraints and Potential Player Exits

Financial constraints mean that the club might need to shed a few players to free up funds, with Monchi, Villa’s director of football operations, leading the discussions.

Exploring Other Options

The Villans are also exploring options beyond Malen. They have expressed interest in Brighton's promising striker Evan Ferguson and Paris Saint-Germain’s dynamic forward Randal Kolo Muani, with negotiations already initiated with the latter’s representatives.

Challenges with Other Targets

Additionally, a move for Benfica’s Antonio Silva could face obstacles, given his hefty £82 million (€98.7 million, $102 million) release clause.

Caution Due to Financial Rules

Villa's strategy is particularly cautious due to strict Premier League profit and sustainability rules. They are aware that selling some high-value players could finance needed acquisitions.

Interest in Key Players

Colombian striker Jhon Duran has attracted significant interest from top clubs including PSG and Juventus, while defensive midfielder Boubacar Kamara is being monitored by big names like Arsenal and Bayern Munich. Although it could take upwards of £65 million (€78.3 million, $80.8 million) to secure Kamara’s signature, Villa is keen to retain him and discussions for a new contract are already underway.

Villa's Broader Transfer Interests

In a broader transfer context, Villa is also reportedly in the running, alongside West Ham and Newcastle, for AC Milan's Fikayo Tomori, who has struggled for playing time in Italy. Meanwhile, links to Manchester United's Marcus Rashford have cooled after initial rumors circulated during Erik ten Hag's challenging tenure.

Looking Ahead

As the January transfer window approaches, Aston Villa’s shrewd maneuvering could redefine their season’s ambitions—will they manage to seal the deal with Dortmund, or will they be forced to consider other avenues? Keep your eyes on this evolving story!