Donyell Malen has moved from Aston Villa to Roma for £21.6m, ending his single-season stint at Villa Park. The Netherlands forward, 26, scored 10 goals in 46 appearances after joining from Borussia Dortmund last January. Roma accelerated their deal amid competition from Atletico Madrid and Juventus.

This transfer leaves Villa boss Unai Emery with only Ollie Watkins as a proven forward, with Evann Guessand yet to score in the Premier League. The club has shown interest in Roma's Tammy Abraham, currently on loan at Besiktas, to fill the gap. Villa previously added teenage strikers Brian Madjo and Alysson as developmental signings.

Malen's departure marks another swift exit for a player who didn't fully settle at Villa. His move to Serie A offers a fresh start in a league known for tactical discipline. Roma gains a versatile forward to bolster their attack as they chase European qualification. Villa must now act quickly in the market.