Aston Villa boss Unai Emery is reportedly eager to land Atletico Madrid playmaker Joao Felix this summer, as Jhon Duran continues to talk up an exit from the club.
Villa have been active in the transfer window already this summer, with several incomings and outgoings as Emery continues to mould the squad into his own.
READ MORE: Crucial double boost as Villa squad travels to USA for pre-season tour
Amadou Onana, Ian Maatsen, Jaden Philogene, Cameron Archer, Samuel Iling-Junior, Lewis Dobbin, Enzo Barrenechea, Ross Barkley and Kosta Nedeljkovic [signed in January] have all been added to the squad thus far, as we look to raise the level within the group and add more depth to be able to compete on multiple fronts.
That’s been balanced with exits for Omari Kellyman, Douglas Luiz, Tim Iroegbunam, Morgan Sanson, Viljami Sinisalo, Calum Chambers and Philippe Coutinho [loan], and with speculation mounting over the future of Moussa Diaby, the expectation is that we’re far from done in terms of making signings.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Felix is said to be a ‘dream target’ for Emery, and although he has re-emphasised the fact that it will be an expensive and difficult deal to do, Villa are seemingly going to try to make it happen.
Further, he adds that Duran wants a move to West Ham Utd, with the two clubs in negotiations over a transfer as we wait to see if they can reach an agreement.
The 20-year-old Colombian international has once again talked up a potential move elsewhere to cast further doubt over his Villa future, and so it will hopefully merely be a matter of time before he gets his wish and seals his preferred move.
“I take it very calmly with the help of my agent and my dad, we are taking everything little by little,” Duran said to ESPN Deportes when asked about the possibility of moving clubs. “That my name is mentioned with such big teams, it is very important for my career. I’m happy that there are these rumours and let’s hope that something concrete happens.”
Duran has contributed eight goals in 49 appearances for Villa since joining us in January 2023 from Chicago Fire, and although he has been an important option given he adds a different dynamic in the final third and up top, he has played a limited role as depth behind Ollie Watkins, and having struggled for consistency coupled with his off-the-pitch behaviour, it sounds as though a departure would be the best thing for all concerned.
Time will tell if West Ham are able to meet our valuation and will take the gamble on Duran, but if not, it’s hoped that an alternative solution presents itself as it sounds as though his exit will be a fundamental piece in helping Emery bring in his preferred option in attack.
As for Felix, 24, he bagged 10 goals and six assists in 44 appearances during his loan stint with Barcelona last season, but he has had his troubles too after leaving Benfica, with his time at Atletico Madrid not going to plan as the Portuguese international is out of favour with boss Diego Simeone.
A fresh start and the guidance of Emery could change all that though, as it has done for many others in the current Villa squad who have developed and improved significantly under the Basque coach’s stewardship, and so perhaps the sales of Diaby and Duran will fund Felix’s switch, and potentially make us an even more dangerous attacking outfit by the end of the summer.
