Overview
- Both clubs announced Malen’s exit, with Villa stating an undisclosed fee and Roma describing an initial loan with an option to purchase.
- Italian outlets report the option becomes an obligation at about €28m if Roma secure European qualification, while some UK reports cite a fee near £21.6m.
- Villa are targeting a new centre-forward, with multiple reports placing Tammy Abraham as the leading option and suggesting personal terms would not be a hurdle.
- Talks are complicated because Abraham is on loan at Beşiktaş with an obligation to buy reportedly triggered, and Villa are weighing a loan makeweight such as Evann Guessand to ease negotiations.
- Malen, who made 46 Villa appearances and was often used off the bench, departs after contributing seven goals this season as the club reshapes its attack, with alternatives like Moise Kean also linked.