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Journalist says Donyell Malen would be ‘upgrade’ for Arsenal

By on March 22, 2024

Eddie Nketiah Donyell Malen

Journalist Charles Watts has revealed on his YouTube page that Donyell Malen wants to return to Arsenal and would be an upgrade on Reiss Nelson.

Football Insider recently reported that Arsenal were interested in selling Reiss Nelson. They said the Gunners wanted £25 million for his sale, with Brighton being the most likely destination.

Malen for Nelson

Malen has been heavily linked with a move back to England with Arsenal among the clubs reportedly interested. Responding to those reports, Watts has said that Malen has spoken openly about his desire to rejoin Arsenal and he believes the Borussia Dortmund star would be an ‘upgrade’ on Nelson is he does replace him at the Emirates Stadium.

The journalist said,

“He’s talked very openly about wanting to come back to Arsenal if he (Malen) does come back to the Premier League… He wouldn’t be at the top of my list, I have to say, from what I’ve seen of him, but he’s certainly an interesting player who can fill those positions. As much as I like Reiss Nelson, I think he would certainly be an upgrade.”

As Watts has observed, back in February, Malen, who was in the Arsenal youth team from 2015 to 2017, indicated he was open to returning to Arsenal, saying,

“Because I played in England as a youth player, it remains a dream to one day play in the Premier League,” Malen told Voetbalzone.

“Arsenal is my favourite club. Would I go back? Yes, I played there as a youth player and really wanted to break through there.”

Florian Plettenberg recently indicated that Arsenal are showing an interest in signing Malen and the player is keen on a new challenge this summer. However, Dortmund will want up to £43m for his signature so he won’t be cheap.

As Watts suggests, Malen may be a useful addition to Arteta’s project. When you look at his stats this season, he’s enjoying one of his best campaigns. In 23 Bundesliga appearances, he has 11 goals and 3 assists, so he’d certainly bring an added threat in front of goal for Arsenal.

Nelson shockingly has yet to make a league start for Arsenal, but Malen might be a big challenge to Bukayo Saka’s spot in Arsenal’s line-up. With him, Mikel Arteta could have a reliable Saka backup for next season.

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