Al Nassr Close In On £64m Jhon Duran Deal As Aston Villa Stand Firm On Ollie Watkins

Al Nassr Football Club of Saudi Arabia plans to acquire Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran through a transfer worth £64 million.

The medical examination for the Colombian international will happen in London on Thursday, today as preparations for his final deal consummation move forward.

Duran remains without any game action after Villa’s 4-2 Champions League victory over Celtic but European teams continue to show interest in his potential acquisition. Al Nassr made a significant offer that successfully defeated West Ham’s £57 million bid to sign Duran this month.

Since Unai Emery took charge at Villa Park after Duran signed in January 2023, the Argentinean midfielder has failed to secure regular field time.

His club record shows 55 Premier League starts but he has started only seven of those matches. His seven league goals this season demonstrate his capability as a goal threat though he isn’t receiving many starts.

The Saudi club Al Nassr expressed interest in signing Duran as they simultaneously faced down Aston Villa’s decision to hold onto their leading striker Ollie Watkins.

Arsenal Are Also Pursuing Jhon Duran

The Gunners made a proposal to sign the England international but Aston Villa immediately denied the offer. Even though Mikel Arteta’s side plans to make a stronger offer the club principles that Ollie Watkins will stay at the team.

Since this season began Watkins the lifelong Arsenal supporter has proven essential for Villa with 10 Premier League goals which included a vital equalizing strike versus the Gunners just this past mont.

At 29 years old Watkins sits as the ninth-highest goal scorer in the league while establishing himself internationally with five goals across 18 matches for England that earned him a memorable Euro 2024 winning tally against the Netherlands.

Duran’s planned departure will challenge Villa’s attackers but manager Emery maintains Watkins as a vital part of his current team structure. Al Nassr moves forward with enhancements to their team roster