He was one of Arsene Wenger’s last sales at Arsenal but ex-star could now haunt Mikel Arteta

Add as preferred source on Google

Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger picked up plenty of big transfers in his time at the club, with plenty of different legendary names featuring during his tenure.

The Frenchman was a master of the transfer window in his early days at the club, landing big names such as Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and many, many more.

That’s not to say a few didn’t slip the net at Arsenal, which was only natural during his long stint in north London.

One of Arsene Wenger’s final sales before he left in 2018 may well have been a mistake, one that could soon punish Mikel Arteta.

• READ MORE: FA make decision on controversial Man United social media post after referee calls in Arsenal clash

Former Arsenal ace Donyell Malen set to join Aston Villa

One star who came through the Arsenal academy ranks was Donyell Malen, who joined as a youngster.

The forward impressed at Hale End but he went on to leave in 2017, just one year before Wenger left, leaving for PSV Eindhoven.

There, Malen went on to shine and managed to land a move to Borussia Dortmund, where he has been in and out of the side since.

With his future uncertain at the German club, a move to the Premier League is on the cards as he looks set to join Aston Villa.

According to Fabrizio Romano, a deal is now done between Borussia Dortmund and Aston Villa, which will see the forward now join the Midlands club.

Given the fact that Arsenal have a lack of forward options currently at the club, Malen would’ve been a useful player to have in the side.

While that may be seen as a slight blow, it could be made even worse for Mikel Arteta in the weeks ahead.

• READ MORE: Forget Havertz, Mikel Arteta made huge Arsenal mistake by leaving out one star vs Man United

Donyell Malen could haunt Arsenal

While Malen is a miss for the squad right now, he could punish Arsenal in the Premier League this season.

The Gunners take on Aston Villa soon, which could see the forward feature for his new side against his old one.

Arsenal have had struggles against Villa in recent seasons, with former manager Unai Emery able to get the better of Arteta on a few occasions.

With the added threat of an old player in Malen coming up against them, it may be an even tougher tie.