Roma have reportedly agreed terms in principle with Aston Villa for a January move for Netherlands international forward Donyell Malen.

Roma have reportedly taken a significant step in their January transfer plans after reaching an agreement in principle with Aston Villa over a deal for Netherlands international forward Donyell Malen.

The Giallorossi are keen to strengthen their attacking options this month as Gian Piero Gasperini looks to add more firepower to his squad. Roma have already been linked with Italy international Giacomo Raspadori and highly rated Marseille teenager Robinio Vaz as part of a broader recruitment push.

Malen has now emerged as another concrete target, with Aston Villa understood to be open to allowing the 26-year-old leave during the winter transfer window. Talks between the two clubs have progressed quickly in recent days.

Italian sources reports that Roma and Villa have agreed in principle on a loan deal that would include an option to buy at the end of the season. The proposed permanent fee is believed to be in the region of €25m to €30m, though Roma still require Malen’s approval to finalise the move.

Despite limited starting opportunities, Malen has delivered solid returns for Villa this season, scoring four goals in 21 Premier League appearances, with just five of those coming from the starting XI. He has also found the net three times in six Europa League outings during the 2025–26 campaign.

Roma’s interest is partly driven by recent struggles in attack. The club already signed Leon Bailey on loan from Aston Villa earlier in the season, but the winger has endured persistent injury issues and has managed just 181 minutes of Serie A action across seven appearances.

With injuries set to rule out both Evan Ferguson and Artem Dovbyk for Tuesday’s Coppa Italia clash against Torino, Roma’s urgency in the transfer market has intensified. Securing Malen would offer Gasperini a timely boost as the club looks to maintain momentum across competitions.