Former Premier League forward Dwight Yorke has identified Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran as a transfer target for Arsenal in January.
The Gunners failed to sign a striker over the summer transfer window despite links to several top names. Duran wasn’t linked to Arsenal but he was linked to both West Ham and Chelsea.
However, Aston Villa decided to hold onto the 20-year-old and it has proven a good decision as Duran has scored four goals in six Premier League games.
Former Manchester United and Aston Villa forward Dwight Yorke believes he would be an ideal signing for Arsenal who need striker depth. He told Prime Casino: “He [Jhon Duran] looks a real handful and a bit different from the rest.
“He’s got that good presence about him. I would take a chance on him, he looks like the real deal. What I look for is people who are hungry, and he’s got that. In terms of the big boys, Arsenal haven’t got an outstanding No. 9.”
Jhon Duran was close to a move to London rivals
The Columbian striker was close to a move over the summer, to both Chelsea and West Ham United. The Hammers had a £30m bid rejected for Duran whereas the Blues were in talks with Aston Villa.
Since the transfer window however, Aston Villa have said that they don’t want to sell the promising striker, so Arsenal would have to come in with a bid likely over £40m if they wanted to tempt the Midlands-based club.
Furthermore, Villa could be reluctant to sell Duran to a rival like Arsenal seeing as Unai Emery’s side are just one point behind the Gunners in the Premier League.
Arsenal wanted to sign a striker over the summer
Striker was a key position identified by Mikel Arteta that needed improvement at the Emirates and the Gunners simply failed to do that during the transfer window.
They were linked with Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, Napoli (now Galatasaray) striker Victor Osimhen and England international Ivan Toney.
The lack of a pure number nine could force Mikel Arteta to move for a striker in the January transfer window should the Gunners still be embroiled in a title fight.
It might just give them the edge over Manchester City and Liverpool.
