According to a report by German outlet Fussball Daten, Arsenal and Aston Villa are interested in 23-year-old Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Malik Tillman. The two Premier League clubs are keen on reinforcing their first-team squads by signing a versatile midfielder ahead of the 2026/27 season.
However, the latest report has brought concerning news for the American midfielder’s prospective suitors, as it has revealed that Bayer Leverkusen would prefer not to sell him in the upcoming transfer window. However, internally, the Bundesliga top-four hopefuls have set an asking price of €45-55 million to entertain the possibility of selling Tillman.
Malik Tillman has made significant progress since returning to the Bundesliga by joining Bayer Leverkusen from PSV Eindhoven last summer. Born in Nurnberg, the 23-year-old midfielder spent his formative years in Germany, passing through the academies at three clubs and graduating from the youth division at Bayern Munich.
Tillman has been solid in the 2025/26 season thus far, chipping in with eight goals and one assist in 35 appearances across all competitions. Meanwhile, the USMNT international’s progress has not stimulated the interest of several well-known Premier League clubs. Arsenal and Aston Villa are among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.
Malik Tillman has been on Aston Villa’s wishlist for a long time. The continued interest is understandable, as the Villans are concerned about their over-dependence on Morgan Rogers in teh final third. So, Aston Villa must dip into the market for a versatile and productive playmaker, with Tillman emerging as a viable target.
As for Arsenal, the North London club’s interest is perplexing.
