Chelsea transfer news: A 27-year-old Dutch forward could become a January target, with Chelsea and Arsenal reportedly watching him at Roma. Hooligan Soccer reports that both clubs have registered interest in Donyell Malen, who is open to returning to English football.
Chelsea reportedly began scouting Malen before the January window, while Arsenal have allegedly made informal contact. No formal offer has emerged yet. Roma have strengthened their position by signing Malen to a new contract. Hooligan Soccer claims the Italian club could seek €60-€65 million if they consider a sale, although Roma’s willingness to let him leave remains unclear.
Malen’s early numbers explain the attention. He has scored six times in four Serie A matches, according to Opta Analyst. He added an assist in Roma’s Champions League draw at Fenerbahce. Roma have won all four league matches, and Malen scored against Torino. He opened with a hat-trick against Fiorentina, then scored twice at Lecce.
Chelsea transfer news: Why could Chelsea consider the €60-€65m move?
For Chelsea, Malen’s appeal starts with his running. He attacks space quickly, accelerates sharply and can operate from either wing or through the middle. That variety lets him threaten without long spells on the ball.
His shooting has looked sharp. Malen has taken 17 league shots, with nine on target, while his six goals lead Serie A. He produced a hat-trick against Fiorentina before adding two goals at Lecce.
There is a catch. Malen’s defensive work remains a concern, especially for a side that expects forwards to press. He can struggle when defenders force him into physical duels, while mistimed runs can put him offside. Those flaws would test Chelsea’s use of him.
Could Chelsea and Arsenal justify that price?
Arsenal’s interest has the extra context because Malen spent part of his development in their academy before leaving in 2017. His ability to cover the left, right and centre could reduce pressure on Bukayo Saka and give Mikel Arteta another runner against deep defences.
Chelsea face a different question. Their attraction to direct attackers makes Malen’s pace useful, yet another expensive forward could add to an already crowded attack. At €60-€65 million, the fee would demand a clear role rather than another rotation option.
For me, Malen’s goals make the interest understandable, but his defensive limitations matter. Arsenal would need disciplined pressing from him, while Chelsea would need enough minutes across a full campaign. Roma hold strong leverage after his new contract. That balance matters more than the early scoring burst, particularly at this price in January alone.
