January 29th 2025.
Jhon Durhan has recently found himself at the center of criticism as he is being targeted by both Arsenal and Chelsea for a potential transfer. It has been revealed that the Aston Villa striker is tempted by a move to Saudi Arabia, causing many to question his motives and commitment to his current team.
Despite scoring an impressive 12 goals this season, Duran has often played second fiddle to Ollie Watkins in Unai Emery's side. The 21-year-old has only started four Premier League games this season, attracting the attention of several top European clubs who are eager to offer him a regular starting position.
West Ham had previously made a bid of £57 million, but it was rejected by Villa. Now, with just a few days left in the January transfer window, Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr has entered the race to sign Duran. While Villa is holding out for a fee of £80 million, reports claim that Duran has already agreed to personal terms with the Saudi team.
However, the potential move to the Middle East has been met with criticism from former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan. He believes that Duran is not a serious footballer if he chooses to join Al Nassr at this stage of his career.
"Well, he's not a serious footballer, is he?" Jordan expressed on talkSPORT when asked about Duran's potential move. "He's only 21 years old, at the beginning of his career with endless opportunities, playing in the best league for a big football club, and he wants to go to Saudi? He's not a serious footballer."
Earlier this season, former Brentford striker Ivan Toney also made the move to Saudi Arabia, despite being linked to a big-money transfer to a top Premier League club. However, Jordan argues that Toney was at a different stage in his career and was not going to get what he wanted in the UK.
"That's not a fair comparison," Jordan stated. "Ivan Toney was at a different stage in his career, and he wasn't going to get what he wanted in the UK. Ivan Toney was at the back end of his career, so it's a completely different dynamic."
Meanwhile, Duran's teammate Ollie Watkins is also the subject of transfer interest, with Arsenal launching a £60 million bid for the striker. However, Villa has rejected the offer, and it is expected that the Gunners will make an improved bid before the transfer deadline.
Emery, Villa's manager, has admitted that the Duran transfer rumors have been a distraction for the team. However, he remains adamant that he wants the forward to stay at the club.
"The circumstances at this moment are not helping us to be 100% focused," Emery revealed to Sky Sports. "But Jhon Duran is our player, and I am happy with him. I want him here with us. I want him here."
As the transfer window draws to a close, Villa is now facing interest for their other striker, Ollie Watkins, as well. Despite Emery's desire to keep both players at the club, it remains to be seen if they will still be wearing the Villa jersey by the end of the month.
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