Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media

Evan Lloyd

Sat 2 May 2026 11:30, UK

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Aston Villa could not have imagined the explosion of form Donyell Malen would enjoy after they sanctioned his move to Roma in January.

The forward was loaned to the Serie A club with an option, which has become an obligation, to buy him for a reported fee of £21.6million.

Malen enjoyed strong moments in his year since signing for Villa from Borussia Dortmund, but was never entrusted with a consistent starting role by Unai Emery.

He has enjoyed a staggering start to his career in Italy with exactly that at Roma, netting 12 goals in just 16 appearances.

Villa transfer chiefs will already be aware of the mistake they have made, and with the likes of Newcastle United now reportedly showing interest, it could get even worse.

Newcastle United tracking Donyell Malen

Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider this week that Newcastle will attract big money for Anthony Gordon this summer amid interest from Bayern Munich and Arsenal.

The Magpies are already reportedly assessing options to replace the England international, and Malen has peaked their interest.

The forward has largely been playing through the middle for Roma since arriving in Italy, but amid the failures of Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa, that would not be a problem for Eddie Howe.

Malen has been sensational since completing his move from Villa, with only legendary forward Gabriel Batistuta scoring more goals in his first 15 Serie A games for Roma.

According to Corriere dello Sport, the Netherlands international’s exploits in Italy have caught the eye of Chelsea, Manchester United and Newcastle.

The outlet claims the Premier League clubs are “moving in the shadows”, while Roma insist that the 27-year-old is not for sale this summer.

It remains to be seen how they would react to a sizable offer, however, with there certainly being an opportunity to double or even triple the measly £21.6m the Italians are paying Villa.

Villa punished for Unai Emery’s stubbornness

There are some players who simply do not catch Emery’s eye. Malen was one of the unfortunates to be looked over by the Spaniard.

The Dutchman did have some brief periods of the 54-year-old’s favour during his time at Villa Park, but they were few and far between.

Crucially, most of the time, Emery gets his decisions right and Villa benefit from his judgement over his players.

In the case of Malen, even the stubborn Spaniard will likely admit that he got it wrong. The Netherlands international will go to the World Cup this summer, and could even emerge with a big-money move elsewhere.