Aston Villa are reportedly preparing to enter discussions with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) regarding a potential swap deal that would see Colombian forward Jhon Duran exchanged for French striker Randal Kolo Muani. This development, as highlighted by The Hard Tackle, underscores Villa manager Unai Emery's ambition to enhance the team's attacking capabilities ahead of the forthcoming transfer window.
According to Football Insider, PSG are eager to bolster their offensive options and have identified Duran as a key target. The French club is believed to be willing to include Kolo Muani, a finalist in the 2022 World Cup, in a financial package aimed at securing Duran's services.
The two forwards have experienced markedly different fortunes this season. Kolo Muani has struggled to find his place within Luis Enrique’s tactical framework, accumulating fewer than 500 minutes across 14 appearances and netting just three goals. With PSG looking to offload him in January, the club is keen to create space for a more dynamic striker.
In stark contrast, Duran has emerged as a pivotal figure for Aston Villa this term. Despite the team's inconsistent performances, the 21-year-old has made a significant impact, scoring 12 goals in 26 matches, demonstrating his value even when not always deployed as a starter. His current contract, which extends until the summer of 2030, further highlights his importance to the Villa squad.
PSG appear poised to leverage Duran's status as a non-regular starter to facilitate their pursuit, while Villa may find the prospect of acquiring Kolo Muani particularly enticing. This potential trade could provide Villa with both financial resources and an experienced striker to enhance their attacking options.
Reports indicate that Emery's side is especially interested in Kolo Muani, with discussions between the two clubs expected to take place soon regarding this intriguing player-plus-cash arrangement. The outcomes of these negotiations could have significant implications for both teams as they seek to optimise their respective campaigns.