Arsenal transfer target Jhon Duran has said he expects more game time at Aston Villa amid reports that he could leave in January.
Duran has impressed for Villa this season scoring 10 goals in 23 games for Unai Emery’s side despite his lack of starts for the Midlands-based club.
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Villa have been playing England international Ollie Watkins over Duran due to Watkins’ impressive performances last season.
Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Duran, who is expected to cost around £75m, as Villa are reluctant to sign him.
After scoring in Villa’s 3-2 win against RB Leipzig in the Champions League, Duran told the club’s website: “I’m just happy to be here. I actually love the competition I have going with Ollie Watkins. When it’s my turn, I will step up, and hopefully I can score and help the team.”
Aston Villa’s President of football operations Monchi told Sky Italia that the club had as many as 40 teams that were interested in Duran over the summer.
He said: “Duran wanted to play more minutes, and we needed to sell a player due to FFP, but without an important offer we were convinced he would stay here.
“Emery has a lot of faith in him: some offers have arrived, there were meetings, but the amount we asked for did not arrive.”
Arsenal want to sign a striker
The Gunners have been linked to Duran for some time now alongside Premier League rivals Chelsea and West Ham.
However, they have also been linked to other names as they aim to add a number nine in the January transfer window.
Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has been linked over a move to Arsenal and Chelsea, plus Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres has been linked since the start of the summer transfer window.