Arsenal’s Hale End academy has long been a breeding ground for top talent — but not every graduate gets the chance to shine in North London. One such player, Donyell Malen, is now proving exactly what Arsenal missed out on after being sold for just £540,000 in 2017 — and remarkably, he’s now being compared to Lionel Messi.
Back in 2017, Arsenal opted to cash in on Malen, who was still a teenager at the time, allowing him to return to his homeland with PSV Eindhoven. What seemed like a small transfer has turned into one of the club’s biggest “what ifs,” as the Dutchman has since blossomed into a powerful, technically gifted forward now starring for Aston Villa in the Premier League.
After initially struggling to establish himself under Unai Emery, Malen has found form in recent weeks, including a brace against Burnley that has reignited his career in England. His explosive performance drew widespread praise, with pundits on the AD Voetbalpodcast making a jaw-dropping comparison to the legendary Lionel Messi.
Malen during his Arsenal academy days
“He has those days… There are days when Malen gets into Messi’s shoes, and then absolutely everything works out — he dribbles past people with ease,” one host said.
At just 26 years old, Malen’s development has been a testament to his perseverance. His flair, low center of gravity, and sharp dribbling have made him a nightmare for defenders — qualities that were once evident at Arsenal’s academy, where he played alongside the likes of Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah, Joe Willock, and Dan Ballard.
While Arsène Wenger might quietly wonder what could have been had Malen stayed, the forward’s success offers a reminder that every player’s journey is different. For Malen, leaving Arsenal wasn’t a setback — it was the spark that ignited his rise.
As he now prepares to link up with Jurrien Timber and the Dutch national team during the October international break, the once-overlooked Hale End talent continues to prove that sometimes, the one that got away really was something special.
