“He’s the right player for Arsenal” - Patrick Vieira tells Mikel Arteta to sign ‘quick, unselfish and intelligent’ Premier League star
Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira has advised the club to sign Aston Villa's Jhon Duran. The Colombian striker has been impressive for the Villans since arriving at the club in the summer of 2023.
This season, Duran has registered eight goals from 14 games across competitions. His efforts have already earned him admirers at multiple clubs in Europe.
The Gunners wanted to sign a new striker this summer and had their eyes on Benjamin Sesko. While the Slovenian turned them down to sign a new deal with RB Leipzig, Mikel Arteta is expected to return for him next summer.
However, speaking to Betting Expert, Vieira insisted that Duran will be perfect for his former club.
“I loved his performance against Bayern Munich. He’s the right player for Arsenal – quick, unselfish, solid in the air, technically skilled, and intelligent in his movement,” said Vieira via Football365.
He continued:
“The question is whether Arsenal can reach their goals with a genuine goalscorer or a false No.9. Havertz has performed well since the season’s start and has the potential to fill that role. But as Manchester City have shown, having a pure striker like Haaland makes winning games easier.”
The 20-year-old signed a contract extension with Aston Villa last month, and is now tied with the club until 2030.
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Arsenal are unimpressed by Gabriel Jesus' form since arriving at the Emirates from Manchester City two summers ago. The Gunners are already looking for an upgrade on the Brazilian and Duran could be a fine fit for the job.
Even though the north London side are lacking an established striker in the squad, they have had no trouble scoring goals this season. Arsenal have found the back of the net 17 times in nine league games this season.
Mikel Arteta's team are third in the Premier League and only table toppers Manchester City and Chelsea have scored more in the league. Overall, the Gunners have scored 28 times in all competitions this season.
Kai Havertz, who has operated as a centre forward this season, has seven goals from 14 games across competitions. Bukayo Saka, meanwhile has found the back of the net four times from 12 games.
Ethan Nwaneri has scored three goals, while Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Magalhaes have two goals each. As such, signing a new striker in 2025 could help the north London side hit a higher gear.