In his pursuit of finding Tottenham Hotspur a new forward this summer, Ange Postecoglou should actually consider a former Arsenal player.
Even before the summer began, it was being reported that Postecoglou would like to sign a wide-forward who can also operate in central areas.
Interestingly, it’s a positional profile that is already true of many Tottenham players: Son Heung-min, Richarlison, Brennan Johnson and Timo Werner – who has renewed his loan for another season.
Of course, this is the perfect scenario for Postecoglou, who favours versatile attackers who can cope with an array of tactical instructions.
Take Postecoglou’s final game in charge for Celtic as an example, when the Australian started his famous front three of Jota, Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda.
Kyogo is certainly not a typical centre-forward by any description, but he was still able to regularly score goals for Ange.
And in truth, this preference probably explains why Tottenham would be prepared to sell Richarlison this summer – who doesn’t really suit these fluid ideas.
That being said, if Richarlison does leave then Spurs will need a replacement, and Donyell Malen could be their man.
Donyell Malen wants to leave Dortmund and he’s Tottenham’s perfect signing
Immediately, Tottenham fans will rebuff at the thought of a former Arsenal player, especially one who has expressed the idea of playing for the club again.
But is it Spurs’ turn to have their Sol Campbell moment?
Arsenal certainly aren’t shy of picking up Chelsea players of late, and Tottenham shouldn’t ignore an opportunity on those merits.
25-year-old Malen has been with Dortmund since 2021, scoring 15 goals in total last season.
And following reports that Malen wanted to leave Dortmund in January, it was expected that the Dutchman – who suffered an unfortunate moment at Euro 2024 on Tuesday, could leave this summer.
And to that end, Malen could be the perfect Postecoglou signing.
Thought to be valued at around £34m by Dortmund, Malen can operate across all forward positions.
READ MORE: Arsenal and Tottenham made aware they can sign ‘incredible’ Euro 2024 talent for £50m this summer
And although the Dutchman predominantly plays on the right for his German side, he’s often expressed his desire to return to a central role, as he played at PSV.
Of course, Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven, Malen’s Netherlands teammate, would be able to provide the club with some insight on any move to.
But with unfinished business in England, and willingness to leave Dortmund – Spurs could certainly do a lot worse.
Malen would represent an instant upgrade on Richarlison, an ‘extremely fast’ player with the dribbling attributes to thrive under Postecoglou.