EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal target Duran as January Gyokeres alternative

Steve Kay

Updated: 23 Sept 2024 22:21 BST
4 min read

Arsenal are monitoring Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran as an alternative option to Viktor Gyokeres in attack ahead of the January transfer window, FootballTransfers can confirm.

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Gyokeres has long been a priority option for the Gunners but the €100 million price tag put on his head by Sporting CP has so far put Mikel Arteta’s side off from moving for a player who has scored 14 goals in nine games for club and country this season.

With the Sweden international’s release clause not active in the January transfer window, Arsenal are looking at Duran as another possibility.

Indeed, while Arteta favours Gyokeres, sources have told FootballTransfers that others inside the Emirates club believe Colombia international Duran better fits the Gunners’ style of play.

The 20-year-old has excelled with Villa in the early weeks of the season in a role coming off the bench – likely the one he would initially get at Arsenal. He has scored five goals in four games.

During the summer, Duran was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea, but after the Blues failed to match Aston Villa’s valuation of €50 million (£40m), the offer was knocked back. Given the player’s hot start to the campaign, it is likely the Birmingham club will demand more to consider a move now.

Monchi makes Duran confession

Aston Villa sporting director Monchi has addressed the forward’s situation and says he did indeed want to leave in the summer.

“Unai Emery thinks in the next few years he can become one of the best strikers in the world,” he said. “He is 100% convinced. But what is the problem? We also have Watkins and Duran wants to play. He thinks he is better than Watkins.

“That is normal because every player thinks he is better than their teammates. To manage Ollie Watkins and Duran is not easy but in the end it is the best for the team. If you have two big strikers it is better than only one.

“Did Duran want to leave the club? Yes. That is normal because he wants to play. But now we spoke with him yesterday and he is happy. He is training well.”

Arsenal craving a No.9

Arsenal’s striker situation has become a pressing issue due to Gabriel Jesus' injury concerns and inconsistent form, especially given that Arteta is said to be eager to sign and out-and-out No.9.

This was also the case during the summer, when the Gunners explored moves for the likes of Gyokeres, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and even RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. Arsenal were quoted a price of more than €100m for Gyokeres and Osimhen, which the Premier League giants baulked at.

Meanwhile, Arteta’s options in attack were reduced as Eddie Nketiah was sold to Crystal Palace, meaning that signing another forward is the Gunners’ priority ahead of January.