Arsenal are in the market for a striker, but it’s clear that doing a deal in January could be tougher than anyone would hope.
Mikel Arteta has been on the hunt for a clinical forward for some time, though the past few windows have proven difficult to operate in.
Amongst the targeted names, there is Alexander Isak, who has been heavily linked with a switch to Arsenal in months gone by.
A deal now seems unlikely though, with reports stating that Newcastle want over £150million for Isak in the transfer window.
With that switch seemingly off the cards, other strikers will have to be considered if Arsenal want a move completed this month.
Fortunately for the Gunners, one Premier League rival may well have provided the solution.
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Aston Villa set transfer price for Arsenal target Jhon Duran
Arsenal have been linked with a transfer for Jhon Duran, following an impressive first half of the Premier League season for Aston Villa.
The striker has risen to prominence, with his impact from the bench helping the Villains win plenty of points late on.
Duran has a terrific physical profile, making him a difficult player to deal with, while he has a clinical finish edge too.
The forward has a striker from range in his locker too, a type of unpredictability that is lacking from the team so far.
It’s a move that could be £90million cheaper than Isak, with TalkSPORT reporting that Aston Villa could let Duran leave for £60million.
That switch could prove to be a wise one for a player who is still growing and showing he can be a top striker at the top level.
Former Arsenal boss Unai Emery has already explained exactly why he would be perfect for the side as well.
What Unai Emery thinks about Arsenal target Jhon Duran
Having worked with Duran in his time at Aston Villa, former boss Emery has revealed just how good the striker is.
Speaking back in May 2024, he said: “Jhon Duran is a special player. We have to try and help him.
“He is a good guy, and he needs a team behind him. He is getting our demands better. He was very clinical and today was important for him.”
That clinical nature is exactly what Arsenal need, with a striker very clearly on the radar for the club coming up.
There may be some hope that Duran can offer that for the Gunners in the weeks ahead, should a deal go through.
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