DEAL CLOSE: Arsenal set to announce their first big signing today,player representative were in London to seal deal last night – announcement this morning

DEAL CLOSE: Arsenal set to announce their first big signing today,player representative were in London to seal deal last night – announcement this morning

Arsenal might have competition from Liverpool to sign Borussia Dortmund’s forward Donyell Malen during the current transfer window, according to the German outlet Bild.

Malen has just finished his third season with Dortmund. Although he didn’t always start, he still managed to score 15 goals and provide 5 assists in 38 matches across all competitions.

Bild reports that both Arsenal and Liverpool are interested in Malen, who used to play for PSV Eindhoven. Dortmund is willing to let him go for £34 million, but so far, no official offers have been made.

Malen mostly played as a center-forward at PSV but has taken on various roles at Dortmund. He has been especially effective playing from the right wing, with an average of 0.73 goal contributions per game.

This versatility might be why Arsenal is interested in him. They need someone to back up Bukayo Saka, who has been excellent on the right wing. Saka often plays full matches under manager Mikel Arteta, which has led to minor injuries, although he usually recovers quickly.

Arsenal needs a reliable substitute to give Saka some rest. Reiss Nelson was considered for this role, but he didn’t perform well last season.

Malen could be the right choice. Liverpool might also want him as a backup for Mohamed Salah on the right wing, but Arsenal might have an advantage because Malen used to be part of their team.

Last season, the 25-year-old Malen mentioned that returning to the Premier League, and specifically to Arsenal, would be a dream come true. He had left Arsenal as a teenager and expressed a desire to come back.

If Arsenal can agree on the payment terms with Dortmund, they might have a better chance of signing Malen than Liverpool.