Arsenal could be set to follow Manchester United down a similar path to the one that eventually resulted in Paul Pogba re-signing for the Red Devils in an £89m deal.
According to French media outlet Le10Sport, the Gunners are interested in Donyell Malen, who left the club to join PSV Eindhoven in 2017.
The report mentions a figure in the region of €56m (£48.6m) as a potential fee for the Dutch giants, and that is hardly surprising given his record since leaving north London.
Before the 21-year-old suffered an injury setback which has left him sidelined for the entirety of 2020 so far, he managed to score 17 goals and contribute nine assists in the 19/20 campaign while predominantly operating as a centre-forward.
Given his strike rate, it’s no surprise that Arsenal are registering interest in their former player.
But what have those in the know had to say about the rising star who is already beginning to make the Gunners regret their failure to hold onto him back in 2017?
Let’s take a look at three endorsements the prolific attacker has commanded in his short career so far…
Brian Tevreden, Chief Executive of K.S.V. Roeselare.
Brian Tevreden was employed within Ajax’s prestigious youth academy when Malen was passing through.
As a coach for the U14s, Tevreden worked closely with Malen and followed his development after he graduated into the U15s.
When asked about his style of play, the current Chief Executive of Belgium outfit K.S.V Roeselare drew an intriguing comparison with one of the most exciting players in Arsenal’s recent history, per football.london.
“It’s difficult to describe him. In terms of people playing in England I would say he’s like Alexis Sanchez. Quite small, pacey. He’s strong as well even though he’s not the biggest striker. He can play at No.10, or as a winger or a striker. He’s a multi functional player.”
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Mino Raiola, notorious football agent
Mino Raiola, a man who seldom escapes the headlines, also offered some effusive praise on Malen back in 2016 which suggests Arsenal let a gem slip through the net.
Even with Gianluigi Donnarumma and Moise Kean on his books, it was the now Netherlands international who Raiola backed to blossom into an outstanding player, per Daily Mail.
“Gianluigi Donnarumma is in the national team at 17 so he will continue to get better with Italy and AC Milan, Moise Kean is doing well at Juventus but one who I am excited about is already with a Premier League club and that is Donyell Malen at Arsenal.
“He is a very talented young Dutch player with lots of ability, he is at a very good club with a great manager and I think he can be a revelation.”
Sam May, FourFourTwo
Finally, FourFourTwo’s Sam May has offered an insight into exactly what Malen can offer at the Emirates Stadium.
Versatile enough to slot into any position across the front-three, his skill set appears to be aligned with some of the most successful modern day forwards, per FourFourTwo.
“Standing at 5ft 10in, he is an all-purpose attacker who considers himself able to play in any position across a front three in a 4-3-3 formation. Malen has shown himself to be good in the air, lightning quick, strong and a terrific finisher. His movement off the ball is excellent, too.
“Whether he’s leading a quick counter-attack or controlling a ball on the edge of the box, the 20-year-old is cool and considered when thinking about his next move. It’s a byproduct of the footballing intelligence instilled in Malen from a young age: as well as Bergkamp at Ajax, he has had the benefit of working with his idol Thierry Henry at Arsenal’s academy.”