AS Roma face a battle to retain Donyell Malen beyond this season despite an agreement to sign him permanently, with several Premier League clubs reportedly preparing moves for the Dutch forward. According to Corriere dello Sport, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Newcastle United have all been impressed by Malen's impact since his January loan move from Aston Villa and are now "moving in the shadows" to potentially sign him this summer.
Roma hold a purchase option set at 25 million euros for Malen, which they are expected to trigger. However, the Italian club's financial constraints mean a quick sale for a profit is a possibility, with the report suggesting they could demand a fee as high as 50 million euros if a bidding war ensues. Malen's form since arriving in Serie A has been a revelation, described as "sensational" by the Italian outlet, making his six-month loan spell a clear success.
The 27-year-old's future at his parent club, Aston Villa, appeared limited, facilitating the initial loan move. His resurgence in Rome has now placed him firmly back on the radar of top European clubs. For Manchester United, he is seen as a potential versatile attacking option, while Chelsea and Newcastle are perennially in the market for offensive reinforcements. Malen's proven ability to perform in the Premier League from his time at Borussia Dortmund and Villa only adds to his appeal.
This situation leaves Roma with a significant decision. Securing Malen for 25 million euros represents solid value given his current form and the inflated striker market. Yet, the potential to double their investment in a matter of months may be tempting for a club mindful of Financial Fair Play regulations. The coming months will reveal whether Roma view Malen as a cornerstone for their future or a valuable asset to be traded.
Meanwhile, the broader transfer market continues to simmer. In related striker news, Newcastle are said to be keeping tabs on Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson, currently on loan at Bayern Munich, according to Christian Falk. Liverpool have made contact with Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke, as reported by Voetbal International, and Manchester United are also reportedly attracted to the profile of Christian Pulisic at AC Milan.
