In-form Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran has reportedly attracted interest from Arsenal and Barcelona after a prolific start to the season, although either club would have to match a price to the shining
Despite failing to start a single Premier League game this season, Duran has already racked up four top-flight goals. Unai Emery started the burly 20-year-old against Bologna in midweek, watching the surprise package of the season seal a 2-0 Champions League victory.
Duran’s blistering form earned him one new contract at the start of October, extending his stay at the club until 2030. This new deal has given Villa the ability to increase their asking price for Duran, with Emery’s side demanding €90m (€75m of pounds sterling) according to a report in the Colombian edition of Daily AS.
Villa’s Premier League rivals Arsenal and Barcelona are believed to be interested in Duran. The two European giants have joined a long queue. Aston Villa Director of Football Operations stated Damian Vidagany that “no less than 40 clubs” want Duran.
West Ham United they were close to winning the competitive race for Duran’s signature over the summer. The player appeared to be keen on a move, celebrating the West Ham ‘Irons’ by crossing his arms on social media during the summer, before staying in the Midlands. Predictably, Duran scored Villa’s winning goal against West Ham in the opening game of the season.
Chelsea were also interested in the Colombia international during the summer and have reportedly continued to monitor the prolific striker. However, the Blues are believed to be dejected VillageDurán’s high selling price, which would make him the most expensive Colombian in football history. Jack Grealish, who is moving to Manchester City for £100m in 2021, is the only player Villa have sold for a bigger sum.
If Duran were to succeed, Bayern Munich may be his preferred destination. After coming off the bench to fire in a brilliant winner against the Bundesliga powerhouse, Villa’s number nine described his opponent’s as “The club of my dreams”. Should Bayern meet Duran’s €90m price tag, he would become the club’s second-biggest signing, coming in for just €5m less than Harry Kane’s fee.
