Arsenal identify PL striker as priority transfer target, player valued at £75m by current club - Reports
Arsenal have reportedly earmarked Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran as their priority transfer target. The Colombian striker joined Villa from MLS outfit Chicago Fire FC in January 2023 for a reported transfer fee of €16.64 million (via Transfermarkt).
Jhon Duran, 20, recently signed a new contract with Aston Villa, keeping him at the club until 2030. However, the youngster has struggled to find minutes under Unai Emery, who has mostly used him as an impact substitute.
In 61 games for the English outfit across competitions, Duran has scored 15 goals. However, he has played an average of just 26 minutes per game. The Colombian also scored in Aston Villa's 2-0 win against Bologna in the UEFA Champions League clash at Villa Park on October 22.
Before that, he scored the match-winning goal in Aston Villa's 1-0 home win over Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League on October 2.
According to a report by AS (via Tribal Football), Jhon Duran has become a prime target for Arsenal. The youngster has been in impressive form this season, netting seven times in 12 games, only two of which have been starts, for Aston Villa across competitions.
The report also states that Aston Villa will demand £75 million for the striker. It would make Duran the second-most expensive transfer in the Arsenal's history, behind Declan Rice. Rice was signed from West Ham United in July 2023 for a reported price of €116.60 million (via Transfermarkt).
At present, Arsenal have two centre-forward options - Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus. However, both players have been underwhelming this season, forcing the management to look for options.
Kai Havertz has registered six goals and an assist in 12 games across competitions for the Gunners. Gabriel Jesus, meanwhile, is yet to score or assist despite playing 10 games for the club. The Brazilian striker, however, has been mostly used as a substitute by Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal are also interested in signing Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic: Reports
The Gunners have also been linked to Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic. The Serbian forward joined Juventus from Florentina in January 2022 for a reported €83.50 million (via Transfermarkt). However, he hasn't lived up to his billing at Juve, registering 48 goals and 10 assists in 112 games across competitions.
According to a report by talkSPORT, Arsenal are interested in signing the Serbian striker to bolster their offensive setup. The report claims Juventus could accept £50 million for Vlahovic as he enters the final 18 months of his contract.
Last season, the Gunners (89) lost the Premier League crown to Manchester City (91) by just two points. The addition of the Serbian forward could elevate the Gunners to take the title away from Pep Guardiola's men and end their four-year stronghold on the trophy.