AS Roma have made advances in their ongoing pursuit to sign Aston Villa’s Donyell Malen in the winter market.
On Monday, Corriere della Sera reported the Italian club have agreed a deal in principle with Unai Emery’s side. They aim to sign the forward on loan with an option to buy.
Earlier today, Gazzetta dello Sport backed up and explained Aston Villa have given the green light to this operation. Roma have agreed to pay €1.5m loan fee and the option to buy is around €20-21m.
The Serie A side have been in talks with the 26-year-old over personal terms. He is yet to give his approval while Atlético Madrid have now stepped in to sign him, perhaps with an assist from Tottenham Hotspur.
Gianluca Di Marzio reports Diego Simeone’s side have the Netherlands international as the main target to replace Atalanta bound Giacomo Raspadori.
Los Rojiblancos will receive €40m from Conor Gallagher’s impending sale to Tottenham Hotspur. Aston Villa had wanted an initial loan, and the quick money from Thomas Frank’s side was preferred.
With these funds from Spurs, Atlético now seem to be focusing on 26-year-old Malen.
Aston Villa player isn’t nailed on for Roma yet
Di Marzio reports Atlético are ‘working to sign’ the Dutchman from Aston Villa and beat Roma and other interested parties in the process. As well as the Giallorossi, Napoli have shown interest in the attacker.
Emery’s side have to find a new agreement with Atlético for the move to go through. The player’s approval is also needed.
Aston Villa were keen on signing Gallagher before Tottenham took the lead. It’s not clear whether this operation would impact the Madrid club’s chances of being successful in their efforts to sign Malen.
The likeliest stance is that Villa see it as a way to potentially get more money. And an indirect bonus from losing out on Gallagher to Tottenham.
At this moment in time, Atlético’s interest in Malen hasn’t been reported in the Spanish or the Dutch press.
He’s managed seven goals and two assists from 29 matches for the Villans this season.