Man United, Chelsea and Newcastle monitor Malen as Roma expected to trigger €25m–€30m option
Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle United are monitoring Donyell Malen after his prolific loan spell at AS Roma, even as the Italian club are expected to activate their option to buy from Aston Villa, according to Corriere dello Sport. Malen, 27, moved to Roma on loan in January and has scored 11 goals in 14 appearances.
Roma hold an option to purchase him for between €25 million (£21.6m) and €30 million (£25.9m), a clause that the Italian outlet reports is anticipated to be triggered. It adds that there is a consensus Malen is already valued at roughly twice the minimum fee — about £43.2 million — while Roma have no intention to sell, with owners the Friedkin family due in the city this week to authorise the transfer.
Aston Villa head coach Unai Emery indicated the situation is close to being concluded from his club’s perspective.
“It’s a loan with an option to buy, which Roma will exercise given his results,” he said, adding that he is “very happy for him, because he’s a good guy and a good player.” Emery noted Malen faced strong competition from Ollie Watkins at Villa, used at times alongside him, and suggested the forward has found “the perfect spot at Roma” to exploit his qualities.
Malen’s scoring run has supported Roma’s push for European qualification next season. With four fixtures remaining, his form is expected to remain central to their campaign as the club moves to finalise his permanent transfer.