Arsenal are showing an interest in signing PSV Eindhoven forward Donyell Malen, as reported by Le 10 Sport.
It is suggested that it would take €56m (£49m) for the Gunners to bring the 21-year-old to North London, as they look to plug gaps in their squad.
Malen has missed PSV’s last nine Eredivisie games after having knee surgery, which could keep him out until the end of the season.
However, it is unknown whether this would impact any potential move for the Dutchman during the summer transfer window, with it being hinted at that he could be a replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, after it was stated that the Gabon international could move to Inter Milan or Barcelona.
With the above in mind, FFC writers have given their verdict on whether Malen would make a good signing for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, and whether he could replace Aubameyang.
Watch Arsenal Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below
Billy Meyers
“I think very few forwards in world football are up to the task of replacing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, let alone a 21-year-old.
“That isn’t to say that Malen isn’t having a phenomenal season, as he quite clearly is – the Netherlands international has struck 17 goals in all competitions this season, and also has nine assists to his name. However, I wouldn’t go near him if I was Arteta. Forget replacing Aubameyang – I wouldn’t even take Malen at the Emirates purely due to the fact that it would hinder Eddie Nketiah’s breakthrough, while there is also the problem that is Alexandre Lacazette to deal with.
“Arsenal should only pursue a deal for the Dutchman seriously if they are willing to throw him straight into the first team – if not, the Gunners will only be hindering his development. At most, a purchase with a loan back to PSV would be the most sensible.”
Can you name all of these obscure Arsenal signings? Give it a go now!
Lewis Blain
“If Arsenal do indeed lose Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this summer it will be the most devastating of blows, especially as they have relied on him so heavily for goals – 42.5% of their Premier League total comes from the Gabon forward.
“Anyone that tries to come in and replicate that is going to be under intense pressure to replicate such exploits – even more so if the club fails to qualify for Europe once again.
“Although, Arteta and Raul Sanllehi can right the wrongs of this Arsene Wenger mistake as the former Gunners boss released the 21-year-old back in 2017. He’s since become a star in the Eredivise, scoring 17 goals in just 25 appearances. He’s worth a punt, and Arsenal should do everything they can to land him.”
Viji Jeevathayalan
“Having let Donyell Malen go, Arsenal have the perfect opportunity to fix their mistake, and should surely bring him home. The Dutchman is lighting up the Eredivisie with 11 goals in just 14 games for PSV, and is showing that he can more than lead the line.
“Of course, replacing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is going to be one tricky feat to accomplish, but Malen’s age and goal-scoring knack means Sanllehi can’t ignore him. The Gunners are already seeing the pitfalls of letting another starlet go in Serge Gnabry, with the German tearing things up for Bayern Munich.
“Here, Arsenal have the chance to wipe out their earlier error, and it’s something they should seriously consider. He may not be Aubameyang’s successor right away, but the 21-year-old’s form right now suggests he could be in the long-term.”
Danny Lewis
“Arsenal are arguably no longer the massive power that they once were, meaning that they will need to think outside the box if they are to address key positions in the summer transfer window.
“As will usually be the case with this strategy, signing Malen does represent a risk for the Gunners as it would mean that he is taking a step up in the league that he is playing in.
“However, the Dutchman’s goalscoring nouse means that he should be able to come in and adapt at the Emirates, becoming a real asset for the club.
“Players such as Matteo Guendouzi and Gabriel Martinelli are current examples of how Arsenal have been able to successfully help someone make that step.”
Meanwhile, the 21-year-old has been given glowing endorsements.