Roma making progress to sign Aston Villa’s Donyell Malen | OneFootball

Roma are making significant strides in their pursuit of Donyell Malen, with the Aston Villa forward emerging as a primary target to bolster Gian Piero Gasperini’s attacking options. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Giallorossi have already initiated contact to explore the feasibility of the move as they look to provide more firepower for the second half of the season.

Notably, negotiations with the Premier League side have already established a clear financial benchmark. Aston Villa, who signed the Dutch international from Borussia Dortmund in January 2025, are not prepared to make a loss on the player. Furthermore, the report indicates that Villa are demanding the same figures from Roma that they paid to the German club just a year ago—a fee understood to be in the region of €30-35 million.

Indeed, Malen is seen by the Roma hierarchy as an ideal tactical fit for Gasperini’s high-intensity system due to his versatility across the front line and his explosive pace. While the initial contact has been positive, the Italian club is now evaluating how to structure an offer that meets Villa’s firm economic demands, potentially involving a loan with a significant obligation to buy.

Consequently, the move for the 26-year-old is expected to accelerate in the coming days as Roma look to beat out competition for his signature. If the Giallorossi can bridge the valuation gap, Malen could become the marquee arrival of their winter window, marking a major investment in the club’s offensive future.

Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN