According to a report by Italian outlet Il Romanista, Donyell Malen is the subject of interest from AS Roma. The Serie A title hopefuls have been eager to reinforce their offensive unit by signing a versatile attacker heading into the winter transfer window. So, the 26-year-old Aston Villa forward has emerged as a target for the Giallorossi.
The two clubs have struck an agreement in principle over a loan deal with a purchase option worth €26-27 million after the Italian giants looked away from a possible move for Joshua Zirkzee. AS Roma will now work on obtaining Malen’s approval, with the Dutchman “flattered by the proposal” presented by the Serie A club.
Donyell Malen has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Aston Villa from Borussia Dortmund in a deal worth €23 million in January 2025. While the 26-year-old has shown flashes of brilliance in the last 12 months, he has not been consistent enough to become an undisputed first-choice starter for the West Midlands club.
However, the Netherlands international has been reasonably productive in the 2025/26 season, scoring seven goals and providing two assists in only 1,106 minutes of game time across 29 outings in all competitions. However, the versatile Dutch attacker’s time with Aston Villa may end soon, as he is closing in on joining AS Roma on a six-month loan deal.
AS Roma’s interest in Donyell Malen is understandable. The Serie A heavyweights have been scouring the market for a versatile attacker heading into the winter transfer window, as Gian Piero Gasperini wants more firepower in the final third. With Artem Dovbyk failing to make his mark this season, a January departure is on the cards for the Ukrainian international.
Several candidates have thus emerged on AS Roma’s wishlist, and they have pushed for Joshua Zirkzee’s signature for several weeks. However, after “encountering difficulties in the negotiations leading to Zirkzee, Roma have moved towards an alternative”. They have “made giant strides” in securing Malen’s services after talks with Aston Villa regarding the 26-year-old Dutchman.
AS Roma and Aston Villa have struck an agreement in principle over a loan deal with a purchase option worth €26-27 million. Meanwhile, the Netherlands international is “flattered by the proposal” presented by the Serie A club. So, a January deal is on the cards, with the versatile Dutch attacker’s spell with Aston Villa ending after only 12 months.
