Arsenal are reportedly looking at Jhon Duran as an alternative to Viktor Gyokeres, although any move will be complicated.
According to Football Transfers, Arsenal are considering a move for Jhon Duran ahead of the following windows. Mikel Arteta is seemingly looking at a new striker to be added to the squad to strengthen the group and could view the Colombian as an alternative to Viktor Gyokeres.
Jhon Duran has had an exciting period of his career in the span of the last few months. The Colombian was close to leaving Aston Villa, but no club came close to their €50 million-rated valuation of the striker, as Chelsea were among those who saw approaches turned down.
Some reports stated Villa turned down 40 offers, which might be an exaggeration of sorts, but there was sufficient interest in the market not only from Chelsea but also West Ham United. Putting all the transfer talk behind, Duran has been able to do the talking on the pitch, scoring in four of his five games this season in the Premier League, as he has appeared as a substitute in all those fixtures.
Hence, if those suitors come calling in January or next summer, and provided Duran keeps up his current form, Villa will be bound to ask for significantly more than the €50 million-rated valuation they had in the summer. Arsenal are now looking at the Colombian as a possible alternative to key target Viktor Gyokeres, with the Swede’s €100 million release clause a point of bother to the Gunners in the chase.
Aston Villa may not sell to Arsenal
While Villa were not opposed to selling Duran to a fellow Premier League side, they might be compelled to turn down Arsenal’s approaches should it arrive. Going by the performances of both teams, Unai Emery’s side could be in and around the title race in January, as they will not want to strengthen a rival with a key star who has been improving at the club.
On paper, Duran might be a solid target with decent Premier League experience, but his price would also be on the rise owing to his recent performances. Hence, Arsenal will find it extremely difficult to convince Villa to sell the Colombian international, especially if both clubs are in the thick of a title race around the January window.
