Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran is reportedly continuing to attract interest from elsewhere this month, with Al-Nassr now paired with a potential swoop.
The 21-year-old has put a contentious summer last year behind him to establish himself as a key figure in Unai Emery’s squad so far this season, scoring 12 goals in 28 appearances across all competitions.
READ MORE: Villa could be forced to consider alternatives amid standstill in talks over top target
Beyond his goals though, there have been encouraging signs over his mentality, temperament and ability to adapt and grow into the role of being an all-round frontman while leading the Villa line, and that in turn has earned him more minutes as he continues to push Ollie Watkins for a starting berth.
However, a by-product of that positive progression and development is interest from elsewhere, and according to The Telegraph, Al-Nassr are now targeting the Colombian international this month, and Villa may have a big decision to make before the end of this transfer window.
As per the report, Villa have already rejected an offer worth in excess of £57m from West Ham Utd, and while it’s noted that the club have no intention of selling, it remains to be seen if an official offer that either meets or goes beyond their valuation of Duran is enough to force the club’s management to re-consider their stance.
It’s added that it could take a bid of around £80m to force us to listen, and so time will tell if Al-Nassr are prepared to spend that much, and if both Villa and Duran are open to approving the transfer.
On one hand, it would be hard to ignore that kind of money as it would be absolutely crucial in terms of our PSR position for the current and next cycle, but it would also give Emery significant funds to reinvest and strengthen the squad.
However, Duran is only at the beginning of his career and it looks like he has the potential and capability of having a big future at the top level. Having signed a new contract last year that keeps him with us until 2030, we’re in an incredibly strong position currently, and although Watkins continues to play a fundamental role and is the preferred option for Emery, he turns 30 at the end of the year and is less of a long-term solution up front.
It remains to be seen if Al-Nassr firstly submit an offer, and if so, whether or not it’s enough to tempt Villa to begin talks. It will be down to Emery, Monchi and the hierarchy to then decide what’s best for the club and the best way to strengthen the squad moving forward, and so there could be a busy end to the January transfer window for us.
