BIRMINGHAM — Aston Villa has increased its interest in Roma winger Matías Soulé following the permanent departure of Donyell Malen to Roma in June 2026. The move is being considered as part of Aston Villa’s effort to bolster its attacking options ahead of the 2026-2027 season.
Soulé, a 23-year-old Argentine winger, has three years remaining on his contract with Roma. He joined the Italian club two seasons ago from Juventus for €28.6 million and currently carries a residual book value of €17 million. During the 2025-2026 Serie A season, he recorded six goals and five assists, though he has not scored since January 2026.
Roma faces a deadline of June 30, 2026, to generate approximately €80 million in capital gains to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations. A €40 million offer for Soulé would deliver a capital gain of €23 million for the club, making a potential sale financially advantageous. If necessary conditions align, a transfer could be finalized before the start of July 2026.
Soulé primarily operates on the right wing but is also capable of playing on the left or centrally as a number ten, offering tactical versatility to his potential suitors. In addition to Aston Villa, interest in the winger has emerged from Premier League side Bournemouth and German club Borussia Dortmund.
The increased attention from multiple clubs comes as Soulé enters the final stretch of the 2025-2026 campaign without a goal since January 2026, though his overall contribution of 11 goal involvements this season remains notable. Aston Villa’s pursuit follows its confirmation of Malen’s permanent transfer to Roma, a deal that opens a potential opening in its forward line for the upcoming 2026-2027 campaign.