Arsenal must go all out for £59m Aston Villa star to provide long-term solution to problem position

Arsenal have fallen short in the Premier League title over the past couple of years. Mikel Arteta’s side weren’t able to match the firepower of Manchester City.

However, this season appears to be Liverpool’s year and the Gunners are currently chasing down Arne Slot’s Reds. They are six points behind at the moment and have played a game more.

Arsenal have the chance to bring in some new faces before the end of the January transfer window. They also have the opportunity to let some individuals leave should they wish to.

Arsenal should go all out for Jhon Duran

At 21, Duran has bags of potential and has a very bright future ahead of him in the game. He has already proved he can score goals at the top level despite his young age still.

The youngster has scored 12 goals so far this season, many of which have come from the bench, and his pace and power has proved to cause problems for defender. Prior to his move to England, he caught the eye playing in MLS for Chicago Fire.

Arsenal need to add another striker to their ranks before the deadline if they are to catch Liverpool. They have until the deadline on Monday 3rd February to find someone.

Duran would be perfect if Mikel Arteta wanted to get him. He would give the Gunners more a focal point up front and something different to the options that they have at their disposal.

Arteta has recently shared this recruitment update: “My opinion is clear. We lost two very important players in Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, so we lack goals, people, and options in the front line. It's clear that for the period that we have lost them, ideally we need some help, because we were short already and we're even shorter. The team has still coped with that but we have do what is right for the club.

“If we can get the right player, that's what we are actively looking at, but any player - no, we need someone that makes us better and makes an impact on the team. We have very, very short numbers for many, many weeks and they recognise the situation, we all do. That's why we are trying to do what is right for the club, the team, that's our intention."

Their supporters are getting frustrated by the lack of transfer activity and rightly so. Landing Duran would be a statement of intent and a message to the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and City that they mean business and are ready to spend big to eventually finally get their hands on the trophy.

Jhon Duran’s Aston Villa situation

Duran is under contract at Aston Villa until the summer of 2030 meaning they are under no pressure to cash in on him anytime soon. They can afford to wait for the right offer to come in before they even consider letting him go.

He was handed an extension in October last year. Emery recently said: “Such circumstances, of course, in this moment are not helping us to be focusing 100%, but Jhon Duran is our player and I am happy with him. I want him here with us.

"Maybe some players can be in some rumours to leave from here or come here from other teams, but I think every team is in the same situation.”

Meanwhile, Duran has said: “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 made the Champions League last year after finishing in the top four. They are currently juggling European football with their league duties and they came back from 2-0 down earlier this month at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal to draw 2-2.

Reports on Tuesday claimed he had agreed personal terms over a move to Saudi Arabia while Villa are reportedly close to accepting a £59m offer from Al-Nassr - a fee that the Gunners should not hesitate to match.