Donyell Malen's Roma Dream, Aston Villa Reflections, and Summerville Pursuit

Donyell Malen described winning the Scudetto with Roma as a "dream," stated he feels "no jealousy" regarding Aston Villa's Europa League triumph, and admitted to attempting to persuade Crysencio Summerville to join the club.

The striker made a significant impact upon his arrival at Roma from Aston Villa in January, netting 14 goals in just 18 competitive matches.

Considering this impressive tally in only six months, the question arises whether he could aim to become the first Roma player to win the Serie A Capocannoniere award in a decade, a feat last achieved by Edin Dzeko.

"I hope so, but my focus is on improving week by week, and then we'll see how many goals I manage to score," Malen told Il Messaggero newspaper. "Even if goals are important, the greatest success was Roma qualifying for the Champions League after seven years. If we could repeat what happened last season, that would be fantastic, for me and the team."

Malen's Ambitious Goals for His Roma Future

Malen began the season with Aston Villa and witnessed his former teammates lifting the Europa League trophy.

"I was just sad that we didn’t get to play against them, as we were unfortunately eliminated in the previous round by Bologna. I am not jealous, though; I’m pleased for them. That success is also a little bit mine, as they sent me a winner’s medal," Malen revealed.

"Rome is exceptional; there’s a great climate, the monuments are beautiful, and the people are fantastic. My family and I are happy here, my rapport with the fans is splendid, so there’s absolutely no reason to think about leaving."

"Besides, I watched video of the Scudetto celebrations at the Circo Massimo in 2001, and repeating an experience like that would be a dream."

Given his immediate success in Serie A, Malen was asked if he perceives it as weaker than the Premier League.

"If you look at the top five or six teams in every league, and you see Inter reaching the Champions League Final twice in recent years, the gap isn’t that big."

Working under Gian Piero Gasperini has also been instrumental in Malen's improved form at Roma.

"He showed such faith in me and is very clear in what he asks. He knows my qualities and puts me in a position to give my best, finishing off the hard work of the team."

Not all players have been as drawn to Gasperini and Roma as Malen. Netherlands international Summerville opted for a more lucrative contract with Al-Hilal over a move to the Italian club.

"I had spoken to Crysencio, unfortunately it didn’t go well, but I don’t feel it is right to comment on the choices made by a friend. I can only wish him the best."

Roma is also reportedly pursuing another Dutch player, Givairo Read from Feyenoord.

"I haven’t spoken to him, but I do know him. He’s very young and making an impact. He’s the kind of player who would do well here."