Reports suggest Arsenal recently made a surprising £45 million bid for a Premier League striker, only for it to be turned down.
Following Eddie Nketiah’s transfer to Crystal Palace in the summer, Arsenal currently lack a traditional center-forward, as Kai Havertz usually plays in the central role in Mikel Arteta’s lineup.
This gap up front has become increasingly noticeable, with many believing a clinical striker could be the missing piece in Arsenal’s quest for the Premier League title after two straight seasons finishing in second place. ..Continue Reading
According to shock reports, Arsenal have now targeted one of the league’s most promising forwards.
Colombian outlet Antena 2 reveals that Arsenal put forward an offer for Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran.
Duran, just 20 years old, has scored eight goals for Villa across competitions and has shown a knack for scoring in critical moments, such as his winning goal against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
His rising profile has even attracted interest from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
Though Duran was linked with a move to West Ham in the summer, Villa retained him, valuing him highly. The report indicates that Villa swiftly rejected Arsenal’s bid and has set a steep £70 million asking price.
Duran recently extended his contract until 2030, reflecting the club’s long-term commitment to him.
Since joining Villa from the MLS for £14.75 million, Duran has tallied 16 goals in 65 appearances across all competitions.
While Villa has hit a rough patch with three straight losses, manager Unai Emery remains committed to finding a way for Duran and fellow striker Ollie Watkins to coexist as a front two.
Speaking after the loss to Spurs, Emery said: “I have to try to give minutes to those players on the field and how we can get better with those players. It is the process we have and we are building a team.
“We are trying to get a strong structure in everything. A situation we have to work with is those two strikers. We have to give them chances to get confidence.”
Aston Villa return to action on Saturday when they take on league leaders Liverpool at Anfield.
