Aston Villa are set to lose Donyell Malen on a permanent basis to AS Roma. This can spark a possible incoming at the Birmingham club as well.
Over the past two weeks, Sport Witness have covered how Unai Emery’s side have been pursuing a move for Matias Soule. Initial contact has been made, with Roma in desperate financial need.
They need to make sales by the end of June to stay within UEFA’s financial regulations. Failure to do that can lead to possible sanctions, especially if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.
Now, there appears to be some movement involving the two clubs and this can end up favouring Aston Villa.
Villans stepping up move
Gazzetta dello Sport today note that Malen is officially a Roma player. This is because Inter won the Coppa Italia on Wednesday, making sure that the Giallorossi will at least play in the Europa League next season.
As a result, Roma’s obligation to buy Malen permanently has now been triggered. Aston Villa will receive €25m from the sale and this can help them sign Soule too.
That is why Emery’s side have ‘stepped up their pressure’ and are prepared to make a formal approach too. At the same time, even the Argentine will soon speak to the Friedkin ownership about his future.
Those discussions will be decisive and a fee of €40m can prove enough for Aston Villa. A move to England is believed to appeal to the versatile attacker, whose sale can help Roma earn a €25m capital gain in the summer.
Our take: Move now gathering pace
Before today, talk around Aston Villa and Soule was restricted to the local Roman press. Gazzetta picking it up is a good sign.
It shouldn’t be forgotten that the Villans and Roma have spoken to each other extensively over the last year. Leon Bailey had ended up in Italy before Malen followed him out.
This relationship will be key in discussions over Soule, who has previously been pursued by English clubs. He can play anywhere behind the striker, adds immense technical ability and will add value to Emery’s side.
