Arsenal & Barcelona join race for Jhon Duran
Arsenal & Barcelona join race for Jhon Duran. Aston Villa‘s striker Jhon Duran has reportedly attracted interest from Arsenal and Barcelona after a prolific start to the season.
Despite failing to start a single Premier League game so far this season, Duran has already registered four league goals to his name this season already, but Unai Emery started the 20-year-old striker against Bologna in midweek, watching on as the Villians sealed a 2-0 Champions League victory.
Duran’s blistering form earned him a new contract at the start of October, extending his stay at the club until 2030. That fresh deal has given Villa the power to increase their asking price for the in-form striker, with Emery’s side demanding €90m (£75m) according to a report from the Colombian edition of Diario AS.
Villa’s Premier League rivals Arsenal and Spanish giants Barcelona are both thought to be interested in the services of Duran. The two European giants have joined a long queue. Aston Villa director of football operations Damian Vidagany claimed that “no fewer than 40 clubs” wants the signature of Duran.
West Ham United were on the verge of winning the competitive race for Duran’s signature over the summer, the player appeared to be keen on a move, performing West Ham’s ‘Irons’ celebration by crossing his arms on social media over 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 over the summer and have reportedly continued to keep tabs on the prolific forward. However, the Blues are thought to be put off by Villa’s steep asking price, which would make Duran the most expensive Colombian in football history.
