Player Arsenal sold for less than £1m now compared to Lionel Messi

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A player Arsenal parted ways with for pennies in 2017 has just been compared to Lionel Messi.

There is always a risk when academy players depart, as it’s unclear whether the call will be beneficial or one of regret.

Mikel Arteta had to make the tough decision to offload Emile Smith Rowe in last summer’s transfer window, also pulling the plug on Eddie Nketiah’s Arsenal career.

For some players, the grass turns out to be greener on the other side, which is certainly the case for former Arsenal academy player Donyell Malen.

Former Arsenal academy star Donyell Malen compared to Lionel Messi

Arsenal sold Malen to PSV Eindhoven for just £540,000, as per talkSPORT, allowing the Dutchman to spread his wings once it became apparent that his pathway to the first team was blocked. 

The now 26-year-old was only a teenager when he left Arsenal, but has now found his way back to the Premier League, representing Aston Villa.

At first, Malen struggled to get game time under Unai Emery, but things are now ticking for the forward, who just netted a Premier League brace against Burnley.

After his searing display against the Clarets, the former Hale Ender was a talking point on the AD Voetbalpodcast. 

Presenters Etienne Verhoeff and Maarten Wijffels had some staggeringly high praise for Malen, likening him to Lionel Messi. 

One host said, “he has those days…There are days when Malen gets into Messi’s shoes, and then absolutely everything works out, and then he dribbles past people.”

Jurrien Timber will certainly hope that Malen shows his Messi-like quality for his country, as the pair are set to link up over the October international break.

Malen played alongside several Premier League stars at Hale End

Arsene Wenger might be watching Malen, wondering if he was one who got away at Arsenal, but the youngster’s class in Hale End paints a more forgiving picture. 

In Arsenal’s U18 side, Malen played alongside a handful of players who have since found themselves in an identical position to the forward.

Nketiah, Smith Rowe, Joe Willock and Dan Ballard are several names who were Malen’s teammates in the academy, all going on to play for different Premier League clubs.

For many players, the pathway to regular Premier League football takes a more scenic route, and given where he is now, Malen won’t have too many grievances about leaving Arsenal.