Dortmund Transfer Rumors: Yunus Malli and Andriy Yarmolenko

As Adnan Januzaj and Jonas Hofmann's departures have left Dortmund a little short on wing and attacking midfielder, bringing in an experienced attacker wouldn't be too bad of an idea for Thomas Tuchel. With three competitions figuring to be a big part of the second half of Dortmund's season, Tuchel has seemingly some around to adding some depth for those weeks with multiple games.

While at the beginning of the window we might bring in some teenagers, the rumors now have shifted to more proven attackers. In particular, Mainz's Yunus Malli and Dynamo Kiev's Andriy Yarmolenko.

These players aren't exactly carbon copies of each other; Malli is more of a striker or number 10, while Yarmolenko is a speedy, left footed winger. Dortmund is critically short in left footed players, with the only one who figures to be on the pitch much is left back Marcel Schmelzer.

In Yarmolenko, Dortmund get a 26 year old player who can easily slot into the starting line-up on the right wing. Considering Marco Reus' injury history, it would be wise for Dortmund to invest in a player who can adequately replace him in the line-up. He's also a tidy finisher who's capable of turning provider, scoring 8 goals and assisting 5 so far this season for Kiev, albeit in the Ukrainian league.

Yarmolenko also figures to be the more expensive option, with a price tag around 30 million Euros. Reports have said that Dortmund don't have any problem not breaking even in the Hofmann transfer, meaning they're willing to spend more than they have received this winter, showing how intent they are to improve the squad. Rumors have been flying around involving Yarmolenko for at least a year and a half, with him being linked with Liverpool, Everton, and various other clubs in the past. All the more likely for the fee to exceed 25 million Euros.

As for Yunus Malli, a little younger at 23 years old, Dortmund would be getting a proved Bundesliga quality attacker. While he's not exactly a winger, playing as the ten or a striker, he could still be a very useful piece for Dortmund. His arrival would provide sufficient cover for Aubameyang, a big upgrade over Ramos. But Malli could be more than just a back-up.

His form for Mainz this season, eight goals and an assist, show that he can come into the team and be an instant impact. Personally, I've been a big fan of Malli and would love to see how he can fit in the Dortmund team. However, he would not displace Aubameyang, so he'd see most of his time playing behind the striker. His versatility is certainly a plus for Dortmund, but he might not be quick enough to play on the wing.

There's reports that Yunus Malli has a 9 million Euro release clause, but Mainz manager Martin Schmidt has come out and said that none of his players were going to be sold. Dortmund's interest won't go away easily, and the player could be tempted by the move to a bigger club, as there's reported interest from Tottenham as well.

If Dortmund manage to sign either of these players, it'd be a good coup. Yarmolenko might make the most sense for Dortmund, as he's left footed and a winger, two things Dortmund need. Dortmund can afford his hefty price tag of 30 million Euros, but it does seem like a lot for a player who has played his whole career in the Ukrainian league. Yunus Malli is the cheaper option, but is right footed and not exactly a winger. Despite that, he no doubt could be a very useful player for Dortmund, providing cover for Aubameyang, and slotting in behind the striker. It remains to be seen if Dortmund will pull the trigger for one of these guys, but I'd be very happy with either of these players.