Jhon Duran transfer battle bursts into life

Cameron Smith

• 24 Sept 2024 17:45 BST
• 3 min read

Barcelona have “made contact” with Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran, according to sensational reports in Spain.

The Colombia international has enjoyed a fantastic start to the 2024-25 season and his form has attracted the attention of multiple top European clubs.

Duran was heavily linked with an Aston Villa exit during the most recent summer transfer window, but he was unable to secure a move away from the club, despite his best efforts.

EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal target Duran as January Gyokeres alternative

FootballTransfers understands that Arsenal are now monitoring his situation at Villa Park, while Chelsea were credited with significant interest this summer.

However, both London clubs are set to face competition from Barcelona, according to El Nacional.

The Spanish outlet have reported that Duran has been identified as a possible long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski, with a move for Manchester City’s Erling Haaland currently unlikely.

READ MORE: Barcelona to sign Liverpool flop as a free agent

Deco, Barcelona’s sporting director, has reportedly initiated contact with Duran’s representatives as the Blaugrana look to pursue a deal in 2025.

Duran has just under four years remaining on his current contract at Aston Villa, and while Unai Emery’s side were demanding a fee of around €50 million this summer, that figure is likely to have increased following his immense start to the new campaign.

Despite racking up zero starts and just 131 minutes of action off the bench, Duran has scored four Premier League goals so far this term, with only Luis Diaz (five) and Haaland (10) notching more.

What has been said about Jhon Duran?

In September, Damian Vidagany, Aston Villa’s director of football operations, admitted: “If there is a club which really thinks he [Duran] can be one of the top strikers in the world, if there is one club and one manager, it is Aston Villa and Unai Emery.

“There are no fewer than 40 clubs who want Duran - everyone wants Duran.

“Jhon Duran is a boy of 20 who knows what we know, he has a huge potential. He can be one of the best strikers in the world, period.”