Manchester United icon Dwight Yorke wants Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal to push for the services of Aston Villa attacking sensation Jhon Duran.
Arsenal were on the lookout for a new striker throughout the summer transfer window. But, things did not go according to plan, and they decided against signing one. But, their hunt for a new number nine continues, with Jhon Duran recently linked as a target.
Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke feels the Gunners do not have a world-class striker and that they need one to compete for major silverware. He suggested Mikel Arteta’s team should go after Jhon Duran, who has made an incredible start to the new season.
While speaking via Birmingham Live, the Manchester United icon said, “Jhon Duran, he looks a real handful and a bit different from the rest. He’s got that good presence about him. I would take a chance on him, he looks like the real deal. What I look for is people who are hungry, and he’s got that. In terms of the big boys, Arsenal haven’t got an outstanding No. 9.”
Duran’s exceptional rise at Aston Villa
After making a name for himself at Chicago Fire in MLS, Duran made the move to Aston Villa at the start of 2023. He has taken his game to the next level since joining Unai Emery’s team. While he was linked with a move away from the West Midlands club throughout the summer, the Colombian has ended up staying at Villa.
The South American striker has made an incredible start to the 2024/25 season. Duran has six goals in his nine outings across competitions. In just 157 minutes of Premier League action, the 20-year-old striker has bagged four goals. He averages a goal every 39 minutes in the English top flight.
Despite his incredible start, Duran is not the first-choice striker under Emery as Ollie Watkins remains the go-to man. If Duran continues in similar form, he will seek a more prominent role, and Arsenal could look to make the most out of that situation.
Yorke has urged Arsenal to sign Duran
The Gunners could push to bring the Colombian ace to the club. He has already proven himself in the Premier League and since he is only 20, Duran is expected to get better with time. While the Gunners do have Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard for that role, they lack a proper number nine who can help them compete with the best teams in the world.
Yorke feels they should go after the signature of Duran, who seems to have an x-factor about himself. The in-form Aston Villa star is a top talent who has the potential to be one of the world’s best. Meanwhile, it will be interesting to see if Aston Villa would be willing to sell to a direct rival.
