Manchester United can sign Arsenal academy star for £26m - who will INSTANTLY improve side: report

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag looks on during the UEFA Champions League match between F.C. Copenhagen and Manchester United at Parken Stadium on November 08, 2023 in Copenhagen, Denmark.
(Image credit: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)

Manchester United are targeting an Arsenal youth product – who could become available for as little as £26 million.

The Red Devils are enduring a difficult campaign, finding themselves way off the pace in the Premier League and out of Europe altogether. Goals have been hard to come by, too, with Marcus Rashford out of the side lately and marquee summer signing Rasmus Hojlund failing to score in the Premier League thus far.

But some of that could be solved with a new signing, as Manchester United look to correct their current slump. 

Rasmus Hojlund in action for Manchester United against Brentford in October 2023.

Rasmus Hojlund is still goalless in domestic football (Image credit: Getty Images)

The Times claims that Borussia Dortmund star Donyell Malen is available for just £26m, with United holding an interest in the Dutch attacker.

It is believed that Ten Hag would like to swap Jadon Sancho for Malen, with the out-of-favour winger frozen out of the setup at Old Trafford. With Dortmund supposedly holding an interest in their former star, however, a deal for Malen is apparently unrelated to Sancho's status.

Malen came through Arsenal's Hale End youth system before leaving the club without a senior appearance to his name, joining PSV before moving to the Bundesliga. 

Donyell Malen of Dortmund during the UEFA Champions League Group Stage match between AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 28, 2023 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Jari Pestelacci/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

Donyell Malen could be on Manchester United's radar (Image credit: Getty Images)

Ten Hag has made a habit of signing either Dutch players or players who have experience of the Eredivisie during his time at United, with the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Antony, Sofyan Amrabat, Wout Wegorst and even Mason Mount meeting that criteria.

Malen is valued at €35m by Transfermarkt

More Manchester United stories

Manchester United have been linked with a move for Atletico Madrid and France star Antoine Griezmann. Meanwhile, a former Barcelona defender could potentially be on his way to Old Trafford.

Marcus Rashford could also be set to join him, having agreed personal terms with Barcelona. Almost half a year after leaving Manchester United as a free agent, David de Gea could be close to sealing a move to a new club

Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag has defended his training methods as the injuries pile up – with Mason Mount the latest player set for a spell on the sidelines.

Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.

Read more
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford was recently loaned to Aston Villa
Have Manchester United already secured their Marcus Rashford replacement, thanks to a Ruben Amorim masterplan?
Marcus Rashford looks likely to leave Old Trafford on loan in January
Manchester United ready to replace Marcus Rashford with wonderkid sensation, who netted 32 goals in 18 games last year: report
FILE PHOTO (EDITORS NOTE: COMPOSITE OF IMAGES - Image numbers 2182484184, 2187345604) In this composite image a comparison has been made between Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City (L) and Ruben Amorim, Head Coach of Manchester United. Manchester City and Manchester United meet in a Premier League match on December 15,2024 at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England. ***LEFT IMAGE*** BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 02: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, looks on prior to the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester City FC at Vitality Stadium on November 02, 2024 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) ***RIGHT IMAGE*** MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 28: Ruben Amorim, Head Coach of Manchester United, looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Manchester United and FK Bodo/Glimt at Old Trafford on November 28, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Manchester United to move for Manchester City academy graduate as Ruben Amorim loses faith: report
Manchester United to speak to Jurgen Klopp?
Manchester United report: Jurgen Klopp could be key to exciting deal
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim does not have time to waste
Manchester United closing in on signing 'the next Vinicius Jr': report
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim continues to face struggles at Old Trafford
Manchester United lining up move for Manchester City academy graduate: report
Latest in Stories
Thomas Tuchel will take charge of England for the very first time this evening
'He pushed us. It was tough love, but that's Thomas' Former player reveals that the new England manager will be HARD on his players
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola holds aloft the Premier League trophy at the Etihad in May 2023.
Quiz! Can you name every Premier League champion... in just 90 seconds?
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 19: manager Ange Postecoglou of Tottenham Hotspur FC and Micky van de Venand Cristian Romero during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and West Ham United FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 19, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
Tottenham star Cristian Romero 'willing to do everything' to LEAVE: report
Newcastle United's Dan Burn battles with Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield in Liverpool, England, on February 26, 2025.
I watch every football game on this TV - and it's been discounted by £210 in the Amazon Spring Deal Days
Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi of Spain thanks the fans during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Netherlands and Spain at De Kuip on March 20, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Arsenal report: Martin Zubimendi 'very close' to shock Real Madrid move
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim reacts at full-time of the Premier League match against Arsenal at Old Trafford on 9 March, 2025
Manchester United make exciting teenager 'top priority' this summer: report
Latest in News
Thomas Tuchel will take charge of England for the very first time this evening
'He pushed us. It was tough love, but that's Thomas' Former player reveals that the new England manager will be HARD on his players
Arsenal squad for 2024/25 LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 11: William Saliba of Arsenal celebrates scoring his teams first goal with teammates during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Arsenal FC and Olympique Lyonnais at Emirates Stadium on August 11, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal warned, as Real Madrid are coming for their star next: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 19: manager Ange Postecoglou of Tottenham Hotspur FC and Micky van de Venand Cristian Romero during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and West Ham United FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 19, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
Tottenham star Cristian Romero 'willing to do everything' to LEAVE: report
Newcastle United's Dan Burn battles with Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Anfield in Liverpool, England, on February 26, 2025.
I watch every football game on this TV - and it's been discounted by £210 in the Amazon Spring Deal Days
Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi of Spain thanks the fans during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Netherlands and Spain at De Kuip on March 20, 2025 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Arsenal report: Martin Zubimendi 'very close' to shock Real Madrid move
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim reacts at full-time of the Premier League match against Arsenal at Old Trafford on 9 March, 2025
Manchester United make exciting teenager 'top priority' this summer: report