Arsenal have done some decent work in the transfer market in recent years, but some of their departures may leave a sour taste.
Kieran Tierney, Gabriel Magalhaes and Thomas Partey have been impressive captures, somewhat easing the blows from losing some talented players in recent times.
Bayern Munich’s Serge Gnabry sticks out as one chief example, but Ismael Bennacer is thriving at AC Milan, whilst former youth prospects Josh Dasilva and Eberechi Eze are also impressing.
If there’s one that Arsenal should and realistically could bring back to the Emirates Stadium though, it’s Dutch international Donyell Malen, who was let go under Arsene Wenger.
Malen, 21, spent just two years in the Arsenal setup after arriving from Ajax in 2017, and was sold to PSV for just £500,000 in a decision that Arsenal may now regret.
Malen starred last season, smashing 17 goals and nine assists in just 25 games, whilst he has made a red-hot start to this campaign with eight goals and three assists in his first 13 outings.
He is also a Dutch international, picking up four caps and one goal having made rapid progress since leaving Arsenal more than three years ago.
So why should Arsenal bring him back? Well, Alexandre Lacazette’s contract remains a concern, as do his performances, whilst Mikel Arteta seems to prefer using Pierre-Emerick Aubaameyang on the left flank.
Landing a top striker for the future should be a priority for Arsenal, and Malen has the pace to run in behind whilst also having the technical quality to play into feet. He’s stronger than given credit for at just 5ft 11in tall, and he has shown a clinical edge in front of goal.
Arsenal will surely rue letting Malen go, and if they have a chance to lure him back to the Emirates Stadium, they should absolutely take it as soon as possible.
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