Liverpool and Arsenal are both “interested” in signing Borussia Dortmund forward Donyell Malen, according to Bild.
The German tabloid reports that the Netherlands international will be allowed to leave Signal Iduna Park this summer, with the two Premier League sides named as his most likely destinations.
Malen has struggled to establish himself since joining Dortmund from PSV Eindhoven in the summer of 2021, but he did enjoy a decent 2023/24 campaign.
In 38 appearances, the 25-year-old racked up 15 goals and 5 assists, which is not a bad return. The highlight of his season, though, was probably the brace he scored for his country against Romania in the last 16 of Euro 2024.
How much would Malen cost?
Bild believe that Dortmund would sanction the Dutchman’s sale if they receive a bid in the region of €40m (£34m) before the transfer window closes.
Whether Liverpool would pursue Malen, it is up for debate. The Merseyside club are keen to recruit a wide forward, and the player perfectly fits the description. The Reds were also linked with him before he joined Dortmund in 2021.
However, his performances in the Bundesliga have not exactly set the world alight and there are clearly better options available at a similar price.
Who could Liverpool target instead?
In an ideal world, Arne Slot’s side would probably pursue deals for the likes of Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia or Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams but neither transfer looks possible due to financial reasons.
A move for Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon was seriously considered earlier in the summer but negotiations for the ex-Everton player are not expected to be revived.
PSV’s Johan Bakayoko and Crystal Palace’s Ebereche Eze are a couple of other names that have reportedly been looked at, but we shall have to wait and see who the Reds ultimately end up pursuing.
