Both Arsenal and Chelsea have made powerful starts to the 2026-27 season following active summer transfer windows that reshaped their squads significantly.
Despite their strong early form, the two London rivals are already casting an eye toward further reinforcements when the January transfer window opens.
Journalist Ekrem Konur has reported that both clubs are preparing to battle for the signature of AS Roma forward Donyell Malen in January.
The 27-year-old Dutch international has been in exceptional form for Roma, registering six goals and one assist across just five outings this season.
AS Roma are reportedly prepared to listen to offers for Malen, with the journalist indicating that a deal could be completed for a fee in the region of £56 million.
Malen previously had a short-lived stint in the Premier League with Aston Villa and is said to feel he has unfinished business in English football.
The forward is open to returning to the top flight and has attracted serious interest from both Arsenal and Chelsea as a result of his recent goalscoring exploits.
Chelsea already possess Joao Pedro in attack, and the Brazilian has been in fine form at the start of the season, giving manager Xabi Alonso little incentive to pursue another striker as a starter.
Any move for Malen at Stamford Bridge would therefore likely be made to bolster squad depth rather than address an urgent first-team need.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have been using Kai Havertz as their primary central striker, with Viktor Gyokeres not considered a key figure in Mikel Arteta’s current plans.
Following Gabriel Jesus’ sale to Barcelona, the Gunners may view the acquisition of a natural centre-forward as a genuine priority heading into the January window.
Malen’s sharp finishing, intelligent movement inside the box, and his ability to collect the ball deep before making direct, penetrating runs toward goal would suit Arteta’s transition-based system well.
That style of play also suggests the Dutchman could enjoy more consistent first-team minutes at Arsenal than he might at Chelsea, potentially giving the Gunners an edge in negotiations.
At a reported valuation of £56 million, Malen’s asking price is considered reasonable, and personal terms are not expected to pose a significant obstacle to completing any potential deal.