Aston Villa have reportedly submitted an enhanced bid of £21 million for Borussia Dortmund forward Donyell Malen as negotiations progress between the two clubs. This latest offer follows an initial proposal of £15 million, which included performance-related bonuses but fell short of Dortmund's £25 million asking price. According to MailOnline, Villa, under the stewardship of Unai Emery, has rekindled its interest in the 25-year-old forward.
The impetus behind this increased bid is Villa's ambition to bolster their squad in pursuit of a top-four finish in the Premier League for the second consecutive season. Malen, recognised for his versatility in attacking roles, primarily operates on the right wing. His potential arrival would inject additional pace, depth, and quality into Villa's offensive arsenal.
With 18 months remaining on his contract at Westfalenstadion, Dortmund may be inclined to consider a sale in January to mitigate the risk of losing Malen for free when his contract expires. This situation could play a pivotal role in the negotiations, as both clubs seek to find common ground.
In tandem with their pursuit of Malen, Aston Villa are also engaged in discussions with Paris Saint-Germain regarding striker Jhon Duran. The French club has expressed interest in acquiring the talented forward; however, Villa are unlikely to part with him without a significant financial return. Duran has made a notable impact this season, netting 12 goals across all competitions, although he has often found himself on the bench, with Ollie Watkins preferred as the starting striker under Emery.
The prospect of joining PSG may be particularly appealing for the 21-year-old Duran, especially given the opportunity for regular Champions League football and the chance to compete for silverware. Should Randal Kolo Muani depart PSG, it could further open up opportunities within their attacking setup, potentially influencing Duran's decision.
Additionally, Villa have shown interest in Kolo Muani, who is also attracting attention from clubs such as Tottenham, Juventus, and Manchester United. PSG have made Marco Asensio available to other clubs, and Villa may be open to offloading more players during this January transfer window.
Furthermore, Villa are reportedly in advanced talks to secure 18-year-old winger Tidiam Gomis from SM Caen. Meanwhile, Jaden Philogene has successfully completed a medical examination ahead of his transfer to Ipswich Town, underscoring Villa's proactive approach to squad management as they navigate the January transfer market.