Aston Villa could dramatically change its mind about Jhon Duran’s future, with Unai Emery now in favour of keeping the Colombian forward.
According to Football Insider, Unai Emery could push Aston Villa to keep Jhon Duran beyond the next window. The striker has made a significant impact at the club following a summer of uncertainty during which he appeared close to leaving the Birmingham-based side.
John Duran has given Unai Emery something of a dilemma ahead of the January window, as media reports continue to rumble about his future. The Colombian has made a name for himself as an impact player off the bench since the current season began.
Aston Villa were seemingly open to a sale in the summer if they received the desired money from suitors, something that has yet to materialise. A host of clubs had made their interest known in the striker, with Chelsea and West Ham failing with late approaches.
In any case, Emery will feel fortunate to have kept hold of Duran during the summer, as the striker has scored four goals in six substitute appearances in the league and one as a starter in the EFL Cup. Out of those league strikes, three have been winners for Aston Villa, which has made those strikes significantly necessary.
Despite his terrific form, Aston Villa boss Emery is not able to start him as his other forwards, Morgan Rogers and Ollie Watkins, have been in sensational form as well. While it’s difficult to convince a goalscorer of Duiran’s quality to start on the bench every week, there were reports that Villa were considering a sale in January to bring in funds and strengthen other areas of their squad.
Aston Villa not willing to sell Jhon Duran
In a dramatic change of heart, Emery will now push for Villa to keep hold of Duran for the foreseeable future. Hence, Chelsea, who are still keeping close tabs on the Colombian, will have to find another target. Should the striker continue to succeed the way he has this season, he could soon be given an important starting role, depending on the circumstances.
Hence, the club are open to keeping him now, and while the striker may eventually have a big say in proceedings, he might see the growth of this club and choose likewise. However, should a vital offer arrive from the likes of Chelsea, he could well set out to think about his immediate future, meaning Villa’s stance may not have a significant effect after all.
