According to journalist Steve Kay writing for Football Transfers, Arsenal are eyeing a move for Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran as a perfect alternative to Sporting CP star Victor Gyokeres.
The North London outfit was linked with a move for the Gyokeres for quite some time. The Swedish ace has scored 14 goals in all competitions for club and country this season.
But the Gooners are unhappy with Sporting playing hardball in negotiations. They slapped a €100 million price tag on him, putting an end to their pursuit last summer.
Since the 26-year-old’s release clause won’t be active in January, Arsenal are now pondering a move for Villa sensation Dhuran in the upcoming winter transfer window.
The Colombian No. 9 has scored four goals in five Premier League games this season, only missed scoring against Arsenal. He has been a super sub for Unai Emery at just 20 years old. Duran has enough PL experience under his belt and fits the homegrown criteria.
Jhon Durán – Premier League 24/25:
28 minutes vs West Ham ⚽️
25 minutes vs Arsenal ❌
29 minutes vs Leicester ⚽️
21 minutes vs Everton ⚽️
28 minutes vs Wolves ⚽️20 years of age. He’s simply unbelievable. What a player! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/uzbfASi0bX
— Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) September 21, 2024
A strong player who can strike with both feet and is dominant aerially. The only issue will be his discipline, but that isn’t a major concern since he only complained about a spot in the starting XI at Villa Park.
JHON DURAN WANTS TO LEAVE ASTON VILLA
Villa’s President of Football Operations, Monchi, said that it was difficult to keep both Ollie Watkins and Duran as their No. 1 striker. There is a possibility that the South American star can leave since he doesn’t want to play second fiddle to Watkins.
As quoted by Birmingham mail UK, he said: “He thinks in the next years he can become one of the best strikers in the world. He is 100 per cent convinced. But what is the problem? We have also Watkins and Duran wants to play. He thinks he is better than Watkins.”
“To manage Ollie Watkins and Duran is not easy but at the end it is the best for the team. If you have two big strikers it is better than only one. Did Duran want to leave the club? Yes. That is normal because he wants to play.”
Last season Chelsea tried to explore a deal but suffered a setback since Emery’s side weren’t ready to budge on their €50 million (£40m) asking price. They will ask for more in January since their key star is running hot at the moment.
ARSENAL CONTINUE THEIR HUNT FOR A RELIABLE FINISHER
Mikel Arteta wants an out-and-out no. 9, someone he can rely on. Gabriel Jesus’ injury concerns haven’t resolved yet, with Kai Havertz being pushed to the midfield spot to help the team make up for the loss of other players in that position.
Leandro Trossard is another option, but he is not a complete striker. The club sold Eddie Nketiah to Crystal Palace this summer, and they urgently need an option in attack, a player capable of delivering goals on a regular basis.
Just a 30 second compilation of Jhon Duran smashing some goals in. #avfc pic.twitter.com/NoQkvmtBeZ
— Villa Views (@VillaViews_) September 16, 2024
Duran is seen as a perfect fit in Arsenal’s attacking system, and it remains to be seen whether they go all out for his signature in the next transfer window.
