Arsenal’s latest hunt for a striker has seen links emerge over a possible transfer for Aston Villa star Jhon Duran.
The Gunners have been struggling to land a centre-forward in the market for some time, having seen plenty of targets come and go.
With the January transfer window nearing the end, Arsenal have made contact over a transfer for Jhon Duran, looking to keep informed on his situation.
Whether Mikel Arteta and the hierarchy make a push to sign the Colombian international remains to be seen, though it would prove to be a bold move.
It would be a switch that could create ripples in the Arsenal side, with some winners and losers coming from a deal.
Winners from Jhon Duran to Arsenal transfer
Kai Havertz
It may be a bizarre notion that competition in the forward areas would help Arsenal’s striker, but Kai Havertz could truly benefit from Jhon Duran joining the club.
The centre-forward is the only out-and-out striker currently available to Mikel Arteta, during a busy run of fixtures.
The move could take some of the goal-scoring pressure off of Havertz, allowing him to rest more often and keeping him firing at his best ability.
Martin Odegaard
Arsenal club captain Martin Odegaard could unlock Duran and vice-versa in the forward ranks with another option available.
The playmaker could create plenty of chances for a forward who is an expert at creating plenty of xG [Expected Goals] through his high-shot volume.
Add to that the amount of running he does to create opportunities and suddenly new avenues could open up for Odegaard.
Gabriel Martinelli
A lot is often said about how Gabriel Martinelli can get isolated on the left flank for Arsenal, with a lack of support.
By adding someone who is capable of offering that help in the forward areas with runs in behind, the Brazilian may be able to work off of a striker to get the best out of him.
Losers from Jhon Duran to Arsenal transfer
Gabriel Jesus
It’s unfortunate for both Gabriel Jesus and Arsenal that the star suffered a serious knee injury just as he was starting to hit some form.
The star forward now faces a recovery time of around nine months, by which point he may struggle to get back into the side.
With the possibility of Duran taking the striker role and some reinforcements expected in the wide areas, it could be tough for Jesus to get back into the team.
Ethan Nwaneri
While so far, he has played as an attacking playmaker or on the right flank, Mikel Arteta has suggested he could play Ethan Nwaneri as a striker option.
The youngster has shown plenty of promise but is yet to feature up front, which may only become less likely with another centre-forward addition.
In Duran, Nwaneri would have less of a chance to play as a striker and develop in that role for the future.
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