‘Harvey Barnes alternative to thrive at Aston Villa’ as exit talks update emerges
Aston Villa have been previously linked with a move for Harvey Barnes.
The Englishman has emerged in many transfer rumours at Villa Park as the Villans look to build a squad ready for another top-five push next season.
As it stands, that deal is yet to go through, and as a result, alternative options are now likely to be considered by Unai Emery.
This may have ramped up now after the chance of a summer departure emerged, moving deeper into the summer in B6.
Barnes-esque star to benefit from Aston Villa transfer
There is no doubt that attacking reinforcements are on the agenda for Monchi and Co. this summer, despite no deals yet going through.
A move for Zepiqueno Redmond has been confirmed, although it appears likely that the young forward will initially link up with the academy sides.
As a result, additions are still being targeted in that area, although it appears that an exit is more likely in the coming days or weeks.
This comes after Leon Bailey was linked with a move to Fenerbahce, with talks beginning between Villa and Jose Mourinho’s side already [Foot Mercato, 12 July].
With the Jamaica international seemingly on the way out of the Midlands, this could allow Donyell Malen to thrive in claret and blue.
The Netherlands international struggled for minutes last campaign, but could soon become the Barnes-like star that Emery has been looking for.
Malen to shine for Aston Villa next season
There is plenty of excitement surrounding the forward, which is unusual given how few opportunities he was afforded after a move from Borussia Dortmund.
According to Fbref (12 July), the 26-year-old profiles very similarly to Barnes, who has been linked with an Aston Villa move on regular occasions.
Both rank highly for non-penalty goals, shots, touches in the opposition penalty box and clearances per 90 across the last 365 days.
| Stat (per 90) | Donyell Malen | Harvey Barnes |
| Non-penalty goals | 0.62 | 0.46 |
| Shots | 3.35 | 3.23 |
| Touches (Opposition penalty area) | 6.70 | 6.56 |
| Clearances | 0.70 | 0.77 |
This could prove to be enough to prove to Emery that a new winger option isn’t required, as Malen could become the man in claret and blue next campaign.
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