Huge Malen upgrade now keen on signing for Aston Villa this month

After a quiet couple of weeks in the transfer window, business appears to have sprung into life at Aston Villa in recent days, as numerous players have been linked with moves and departures.

Unai Emery is undoubtedly wanting added investment into his first-team squad, to help aid any quest of securing another season of Champions League football at Villa Park.

However, the additions may have to wait until departures are confirmed, with the club needing to be mindful of the Premier League’s strict Profit and Sustainability rules.

Various areas of the squad could do with extra bodies to provide the Spaniard with key depth in his hunt for added success during his time at the helm in the West Midlands.

As a result, numerous players have been shortlisted as potential options for the Villans in the last few days, with dealings likely to be conducted in the coming week.

Talisman now keen on joining Aston Villa this January

In an attempt to bolster the frontline this January, multiple players have already been touted with a switch to join Villa, including Fiorentina talisman Moise Kean.

It’s been reported in recent days that Emery’s side are pushing for a move to land the 25-year-old, who has currently scored seven goals across all competitions this campaign.

However, any deal would likely cost the hierarchy a pretty penny, with the Italian international currently having a £54m release clause in his contract with the Serie A outfit.

He’s not the only forward currently in their sights this winter, with striker Tammy Abraham linked with a fairytale return to join the club before the window closes.

According to The Athletic, the 28-year-old forward, who’s currently on loan at Besiktas, would be keen on a move back to the West Midlands, after spending a season on loan there back in 2018/19.

The report also states that a deal would have to be agreed with Roma and his current loan side over a compensation fee to cut his loan short and secure a permanent deal.

However, other sources have confirmed that a deal could be a cost-effective one for Emery’s men, with an £11m asking price being mooted for the Englishman’s signature.

Why Abraham would be an upgrade on Malen for Villa

As previously mentioned, numerous deals have been eyed up by the Villa board in recent days, with a move for Atlético Madrid star Conor Gallagher one that they were extremely keen on.

It was reported that Emery’s side wanted to take the midfielder on loan with an option to buy in the summer, with the player wanting a move to the West Midlands.

However, they have since been triumphed in the race for his signature, with fellow English club Tottenham Hotspur agreeing a £34m deal to sign him permanently.

Such a deal showcases the Villans’ need to sell players to be able to afford new additions this window, which could see Donyell Malen move on to pastures new.

The Dutch international only joined the club last January from Borussia Dortmund, but could be allowed to depart after interest in his services from Roma this week.

Any move would see the club lose one of their best attacking options, with the 26-year-old currently sat on a tally of seven goals across all competitions to date.

However, the supporters shouldn’t worry about losing the forward, especially if they complete a move for Abraham, with the striker the ideal replacement.

When comparing the pair’s stats from the ongoing campaign, the former loanee has managed to outperform the current first-team star in multiple key areas.

Abraham, who’s been dubbed “incredible” by John Terry, has registered more shots on target per 90, whilst also posting a better goal per 90 record this campaign.

Such numbers showcase the Englishman’s talents within the final third, which could allow the club to recruit yet another top-level finisher in their hunt for European football.

He’s also won more of the aerial battles he’s entered in 2025/26, whilst also creating more chances per 90, which demonstrate his all-round quality in attacking areas.

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Other stats, such as more fouls won per 90 and more shots taken more 90, reaffirm the threat he poses to the opposition, with the club having the chance to secure a fairytale return this month.

If reports are to be believed about a move for Abraham, it would be an excellent piece is business, with his best spell as a professional coming during his time in the West Midlands.

Losing Malen would no doubt be a bitter blow given his recent impact, but ultimately a move may have to be completed to aid the club’s current PSR standing.

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