Aston Villa hold talks to sign 25-year-old ex-Arsenal forward worth £25 million now: Reports

Aston Villa have held talks with Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund over a potential transfer for former Arsenal youth player Donyell Malen this month, according to The Telegraph.

Unai Emery's side, who are ninth in the league table with 29 points from 19 games, are said to be on the hunt for a new winger. They have Leon Bailey, who has been poor this season, and Jaden Philogene as their natural wide operators now.

Hence, as per the aforementioned report, Emery has earmarked Malen as a top target in the January transfer window. Dortrmund, on the other hand, are open to offloading the 25-year-old Dutchman, who is valued at around £25 million.

Malen, who spent time in Arsenal's academy from 2015 to 2017, has fallen down in Dortmund's pecking order this campaign. He has started just 10 of his 20 total appearances for his team, registering five goals and one assist along the way.

The ex-Arsenal youth star and ex-PSV Eindhoven man has registered 39 goals and 20 assists in 131 matches across all competitions for Dortmund so far.

Ex-Arsenal star labelled 'flop of the season'

Last August, Eddie Nketiah left his boyhood team to seal a permanent switch to Crystal Palace for £25 million plus £5 million in potential add-ons.

Speaking recently to betting outlet 10bet, ex-Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie shared his two cents on the 25-year-old striker's performances for the Eagles so far this season. He said (h/t Metro):

"Nketiah at Crystal Palace has to be the biggest flop of the season. He cost the club £30 million, which I know isn't a huge sum for a Premier League striker these days, but when you bring in a player like that, and Palace don't often spend those kinds of sums, you have to expect more than what he's produced. He only scored his second goal the other day, you need more from your striker."

Hendrie, who played for Aston Villa from 1994 to 2007, concluded:

"I'm not saying he's a bad player; I just think the move hasn't worked for him. He has got ability, he can score goals, so maybe that system doesn't suit him, but I think it's fair to have expected more. Palace let Jordan Ayew and Odsonne Edouard leave, he was supposed to help fill that void. They need him to take a bit of the pressure of Jean-Philippe Mateta, but he hasn't been able to do that."

Nketiah, who bagged 38 goals in 168 overall matches for Arsenal, has netted just twice for his new club this campaign. The England international has yet to find the back of the opposition in 13 Premier League games for Oliver Glasner's side.