Malen on Roma dream, Aston Villa envy and Summerville attempt | OneFootball

Donyell Malen said it would be ‘a dream’ to win the Scudetto with Roma, explains he’s ‘not jealous’ of Aston Villa winning the Europa League, and tried to talk Crysencio Summerville into a move.

The striker made an astonishing impact on Italian football when he arrived from Aston Villa in January, scoring 14 goals in just 18 competitive games.

TURIN, ITALY – JANUARY 18: Donyell Malen of AS Roma celebrates a goal during the Serie A match between Torino FC and AS Roma at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on January 18, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Considering that was just with six months, could he aim to become the first Roma player since Edin Dzeko a decade ago to be Serie A Capocannoniere?

“I hope so, but I want to focus on improving week by week, then we’ll see how many goals I manage to score,” Malen told Il Messaggero newspaper.

“Even if goals are important, the greatest success was Roma qualifying for the Champions League after seven years. If we could repeat what happened last season, that would be fantastic, for me and the team.”

Malen aims high for Roma future

PARMA, ITALY – MAY 10: Donyell Malen of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and AS Roma at Stadio Ennio Tardini on May 10, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

The striker had started the season with Aston Villa, but watched his former teammates go on to lift the Europa League trophy.

“I was just sad that we didn’t get to play against them, as we were unfortunately eliminated in the previous round by Bologna. I am not jealous, though, I’m pleased for them. That success is also a little bit mine, as they sent me a winners’ medal,” revealed Malen.

“Rome is exceptional, there’s a great climate, the monuments are beautiful and the people are fantastic. My family and I are happy here, my rapport with the fans is splendid, so there’s absolutely no reason to think about leaving.

“Besides, I watched video of the Scudetto celebrations at the Circo Massimo in 2001 and repeating an experience like that would be a dream.”

ROME, ITALY – MARCH 22: Donyell Malen of AS Roma attempts a bicycle kick while under pressure from Santiago Pierotti of US Lecce during the Serie A match between AS Roma and US Lecce at Stadio Olimpico on March 22, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Considering the immediate impact he made in Serie A, does Malen feel it is weaker than the Premier League?

“If you look at the top five or six teams in every league, and you see Inter reaching the Champions League Final twice in recent years, the gap isn’t that big.”

Working with Gian Piero Gasperini also made a big difference to Malen’s form at Roma.

“He showed such faith in me, and is so clear in what he asks. He knows my qualities and puts me in a condition to give my best, finishing off the hard work of the team.”

Other players have not been quite so inspired by Gasperini and the Giallorossi, as Netherlands international Summerville turned down Roma for a more lucrative contract with Al-Hilal.

“I had spoken to Crys, unfortunately it didn’t go well, but I don’t feel it is right to comment on the choices made by a friend. I can only wish him the best.”

Roma are also trying to sign another Dutch player, Givairo Read of Feyenoord.

“I didn’t talk to him, but I do know him, he’s very young and making an impact. He’s the kind of player who would do well here.”