Last June, Aston Villa sold their best winger but failed to find an adequate replacement—at least not one worthy of the position. It seems they made a big mistake during the June transfer window, which they are now trying to correct in January. European media report that the Birmingham club has launched an offensive for Donyell Malen, having already sent two offers to Borussia Dortmund. The first offer, which included 16 million euros plus bonuses, was rejected by Dortmund. Villa then raised the fixed sum to 18 million. While Dortmund has not yet responded to the second offer, they are reportedly open to negotiations and willing to let Malen go, provided their demand for over 20 million, fixed, is met. According to sources from Sky Germany, this figure should not pose a problem for the Villa Park club. Given that strengthening the winger position is a priority for Unai Emery, it is expected that the two clubs will find common ground in the coming days.BREAKING: Aston Villa have opened talks with Borussia Dortmund to sign Donyell Malen 🚨According to Sky Germany, Dortmund are demanding £16.6m (€20m) plus bonuses. The Bundesliga club have rejected an initial Villa offer of £13.3m (€16m) plus bonuses but are ready to sell 📝 pic.twitter.com/9sLkN10SL3— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 2, 2025 Malen is expected to replace Moussa Diaby in Birmingham, whom Villa sold to Al-Ittihad last year. That deal brought 60 million into Villa’s coffers, but they failed to adequately compensate for the departure of the French forward, who was versatile enough to play not just as a winger but also in several attacking roles. In June 2024 Villa brought back Jaden Philogene from Hull City for 16 million, hoping he could fill Diaby’s shoes. However, the 22-year-old Englishman has failed to meet expectations. In 15 matches across all competitions, he has yet to score or assist. With Leon Bailey also experiencing a significant dip in form, Villa has decided that urgent reinforcement is needed for the winger position in January. Malen fits the criteria, as he, like Diaby, can adapt to multiple roles in the attacking line.Surreal: Starting January 1, you can sign all of them for free!At Dortmund, Malen has fallen down the pecking order. This summer, the club signed Maximilian Beier from Hoffenheim for nearly 30 million, and Jamie Gittens has since emerged as a star. Karim Adeyemi remains in the rotation, and 18-year-old Julien Duranville has also been promoted to the first team. The increased competition has impacted Malen’s playing time. Although the fleet-footed Dutchman has made 20 appearances across all competitions, only half have been as a starter, tallying five goals and one assist.##NAJAVA_MECA_8609863##
