Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is known to want to sign a striker in the upcoming January transfer window.
Whilst Kai Havertz has led the line to great effect for Arsenal so far this season, there will be concerns about the Gunners’ strength in depth in this part of the pitch.
Gabriel Jesus has been criticised by Arsenal fans, and his form in front of goal has been abysmal for some time. Afforded a start against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday evening, the Brazilian attacker missed a presentable chance to score and has not found the back of the net for the Gunners since January.
Havertz cannot play week in, week out across all competitions for the entire season. The German requires some physical protection. On top of that, Jesus cannot be trusted to deliver in his absence.
As such, the North London club are now in the market for a new goalscorer. Arsenal want to sign Dusan Vlahovic and look set to rekindle their interest in the Juventus forward, having attempted to secure his services in the past.
However, he is not the only name on Mikel Arteta’s shortlist. The Gunners are also keen on Aston Villa ace Jhon Duran.
Arsenal urged to sign Jhon Duran
Arsenal and Barcelona are both keen on Duran, who has made an incredible impact for the Villans so far this season.
The 20-year-old Colombian has been described as being “on fire” by BBC pundit and former Arsenal defender Matt Upson.
Despite still not being a nailed-on starter for the Midlands outfit, Duran has already netted 7 times in 12 appearances for Aston Villa so far this season, across all competitions.
Of course, Unai Emery would be extremely reluctant to let the player go, but Arsenal have now been encouraged to test Aston Villa’s resolve to keep him.
Former Watford striker Troy Deeney, discussing Duran on CBS Sports Golazo, said: “He’s just got a massive contract. Whether that’s to keep him or to sell him, that’s for different people to talk about. But for me, if I’m Chelsea, Arsenal, that’s the type of striker I need.”
Will Arsenal sign Jhon Duran?
With the forward being on good terms at Villa Park, on the cusp of making himself a regular starter, and playing in the Champions League already, it is hard to see Arsenal being able to prise him away from his current club, particularly midway through a season.
However, the Gunners need to make an attacking addition in January, and would therefore be better off focusing their search elsewhere.
It could be that Arteta returns to the table for Duran in the summer, when the prospect of striking a deal may be more viable.
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