Jurgen Klopp's next Liverpool transfer move could punish Arsenal decision

Over the years, players have emerged from the Hale End academy and made a name for themselves at Arsenal. However, as is the case on some occasions, many squeeze through the gap and shine elsewhere.

Harry Kane spent some of his youth at the Gunners before becoming a legend at Tottenham Hotspur. World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez struggled for minutes in north London and is now one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League with Aston Villa.

Crystal Palace duo Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze were also on the club's books and have been linked with big-money moves. In Germany, Borussia Dortmund striker Donyell Malen is one player many forget once played for the club.

The Netherlands international signed for the club in 2015 from Ajax. Malen scored 11 goals in 21 games for the Under-18s before adding another seven for the Under-21s.

Two years later he left to return to Holland, with PSV Eindhoven paying £5.5million for his services. The striker went on to discover his best form of his career at the Philips Stadium, scoring 55 in 116 games.

Now at Dortmund, and still only 24, he has been linked with a return to England. German outlet Bild has reported that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is a big fan of the striker and has identified him as a key target ahead of January.

The Reds already possess a healthy number of options in attack, but Darwin Nunez's inconsistency in front of goal means they have continued to miss the presence of a prolific number nine.Malen, who was once dubbed the next Alexis Sanchez by former Ajax youth coach Brian Tevreden, fits the profile of the type of forward purchased at Anfield. The right-footed attacker usually plays down the right, meaning he could be identified as Mohamed Salah's replacement.

However, the question lies, should Arsenal consider re-signing Malen? Having failed to break into Arsene Wenger's first team in his first spell in north London, Malen has grown into his potential and is now an option to supply competition to Mikel Arteta's attack.

The Gunners currently only have Leandro Trossard as proven deputy to Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka. Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe haven't been able to hold down a place in Arteta's side, leaving the door open for a new attacker.

As we have seen with Trossard and Gabriel Jesus, players capable of playing in a range of positions is the market Edu Gaspar and Arteta are shopping in. However, with no interest in Malen, Liverpool could see Malen come back to haunt the Emirates Stadium.