Arsenal are considering a move to sign Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran in the January transfer window, according to a report.
The 20-year-old forward has made an impressive start to the season for Unai Emery's side, scoring seven goals in his first 12 appearances for Villa this term.
However, the Colombian has only started twice in the 2024-25 campaign and was visibly frustrated when substituted after netting Villa's second goal against Bologna on Tuesday.
With Ollie Watkins being the Villans first-choice centre-forward, Duran has been forced to play second fiddle to the Englishman since arriving from Chicago Fire last season.
Chelsea and West Ham were both credited with a strong interest in his services during the last summer window, and it seems that his impressive performances have now grabbed the attention of the North Londoners as well.
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Arsenal, Barcelona keeping keen eye on Villa attacker
According to Diario AS, European giants Arsenal and Barcelona are keeping a keen eye on the Colombian forward as they gear up for the upcoming transfer window.
The report adds that despite Duran's recent contract extension with Aston Villa until 2030, both clubs remain eager to sign him if the right opportunity presents itself.
Villa are eager to retain Duran for the foreseeable future but reportedly have a price in mind that could tempt them to part ways with the forward.
It is understood that Emery's side may be willing to allow the 20-year-old to leave for a figure in the region of £75m, a hefty sum that might deter potential suitors, especially Barca, given their current financial situation.
After netting the second goal against Bologna, Duran etched his name in history as the first Aston Villa player to score in consecutive European Cup or Champions League games since the late Gary Shaw achieved the feat in the 1982-83 season against Dinamo Bucuresti.
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Gunners intensifying striker search ahead of January transfer window
Aside from Duran, CaughtOffiside claim that the Gunners are also keeping tabs on Juventus frontman Dusan Vlahovic as a potential transfer target for January.
The report suggests that Vlahovic's contract situation at Juve has placed Arsenal on high alert, as the Serbian international does not seem to be advancing towards a new deal with the Serie A giants.
Other forwards who have been linked with a possible move to the Emirates in recent times include RB Leipzig marksman Benjamin Sesko and Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres.
Kai Havertz has been deployed as the Gunners' number nine in the majority of their matches, while Gabriel Jesus has not scored this season in over 300 minutes of football across all competitions.
Devesh Jaganath
