Arsenal finished the 2023/24 season as Premier League runner-ups. Mikel Arteta’s side pushed till the last but were unable to catch Manchester City. However, they showed improvement as compared to previous 2022/23 season as the lost the title by only 2 points. The Spaniard will try to bring City down once again and is currently busy monitoring his options. Sporting director Edu and Arteta are working together to strengthen Arsenal’s squad ahead of 2024/25 season. Gunners haven’t made a new signing as of yet. Although, they have offered David Raya a permanent deal. Raya spent the last season at North London on loan. Riccardo Calafiori is set to join Arsenal and the talks between the parties involved are ongoing. Gunners are now linked with Borussia Dortmund’s Donyell Malen. The club views Malen as a potential backup for their superstar Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal looking to sign Dortmund’s winger
Arsenal are linked with Dutch international Malen. Malen impressed in the 2023/24 season where he helped Dortmund to reach the Champions League final. He was also part of Netherlands national team in Euro 2024. The 25 year recently told that he is looking for a challenge away from Germany. In addition, Dortmund are also prepared to sell Malen if their expectations are met. The German giants want around £34 million for the Dutch international.
Arsenal could afford that price but its will be interesting to see if they will actually pay that much for a player who is going to be a backup. However, given the qualities Malen possesses, it will surely be worth the £34 million. Donyell Malen could provide stability on the right wing and most importantly he can reduce Bukayo Saka’s extra load. Saka was unable to receive enough rest last season.
In addition, this will not be the first time Malen is at North London. The 25 year old has already been part of Arsenal at youth stages. Malen joined Arsenal’s academy in 2015 from Ajax. However he hasn’t represented Arsenal’s first team as he joined PSV in 2017, where he made his professional debut. Malen has been crucial player for the teams he played along with the national team. The 25 year old has made 36 appearances for the Dutch national team where he has scored 9 goals.
What will Donyell Malen bring at Arsenal
Donyell Malen will be Bukayo Saka’s backup at the right wing. He will bring stability at the position along with providing Saka enough rest. Although he is not as clinical as Saka, Malen’s stats are pretty decent too. Saka scored 20 goals and provided 14 assists in 47 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions. On the other hand Malen played 38 games in which he scored 15 goals along with providing 5 assists. Malen arrival at the Emirates could be an interesting one for the Mikel Arteta side.
Donyell Malen is often compared with Arsenal star Leandro Trossard. Their stats per 90 when compared can give a fair reflection of Malen’s playing style. Malen’s non expected penalty goals plus assists are 0.63 per 90 while Trossard’s are 0.58 per 90. Both the Dutch international and Belgian international have scored 0.66 non penalty goals last season and provided 0.05 assists per 90. Their progressive carries are very close with Malen’s at 3.69 and Trossard’s at 3.61 per 90. Same is the case for key passes where Malen’s key passes are 1.11 and that of Arsenal star’s are at 1.31 per 90. In addition, both have amazing shot creating actions which are very very close when compared. All stats according to Fbref. To conclude, Arsenal could get their next Trossard in the form of Malen.
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