Aston Villa are considering a move for Mateo Rategui as a potential replacement for Jhon Duran should the Colombian depart in January.
According to Caught Offside, Aston Villa has identified Mateo Retegui as a potential replacement for Jhon Duran should the Colombian leave in January. There are still some doubts about the 21-year-old star’s future, while Atalanta is likely to demand at least €55 million to sell the Italian international.
Jhon Duran and Mateo Retegui are two strikers on the ascendency this season. The Aston Villa star is already been selected ahead of Ollie Watkins, while the Atalanta man leads the Serie A charts for goals as well as helpoing his team top the standings.
Following a summer of speculation, Duran eventually stayed at Aston Villa. Still, those doubts persisted for a long time as Unai Emery continued to choose the Colombian as a bench option. Ollie Watkins has seen a dip in form, which allowed Duran to stake a claim at a starting berth, and it has worked out well so far.
There’s considerable attention in the market, with clubs like PSG open to paying big for Duran in January, and other sides are keeping close tabs on his situation. The report states that Aston Villa could sell him should a large enough offer arrive and name a replacement idea of signing Retegui.
Napoli are another side that is keen on Duran, while they are also keeping tabs on Retegui. However, should Villa manage to sanction a sale for the Colombian, then the €55 million-rated Serie A attacker could become a priority in January.
Will Duran and Retegui leave their respective sides?
Duran is happy with his new role as a starter in the alst few weeks, while Retegui is thriving at Atalanta following a stellar start to the campaign. The idea of either side letting their top sharpshooter leave midway through the season may sound unreasonable from a lot of angles, which does cast doubts about these transfers.
Villa may have some financial scrutiny brewing in the background, although selling Duran will be a big blow from a sporting sense. Atalanta are not overly keen to sell Retegui, although should an offer arrive in January in the 55 million range, they might consider. However, any move for the Italian might depend on him wanting to leave his current surroundings, as the feeling is that he will want to continue on the existing path.
