Aston Villa are reportedly considering a move for Mateo Retegui from Atalanta as a potential replacement for Jhon Duran, whose future at the club remains uncertain as the January transfer window approaches. According to The Hard Tackle, Duran's situation has become a focal point of speculation, particularly with Atalanta expected to demand a substantial fee of at least £55 million for the Italian forward.
Both players have made significant strides this season, with Duran increasingly preferred over Ollie Watkins in recent fixtures. Meanwhile, Retegui has emerged as one of the top scorers in Serie A, playing a pivotal role in Atalanta's impressive position at the summit of the league.
Despite a summer filled with transfer speculation, Duran ultimately opted to remain at Villa Park. However, questions regarding his role have lingered, as manager Unai Emery has often utilised him as a substitute. With Watkins experiencing a dip in form, Duran has seized the opportunity to secure a starting position, which has not only enhanced his individual performance but also contributed positively to the team's overall success.
Interest in Duran appears to be on the rise, with clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain reportedly prepared to make substantial offers in January. Other teams are also closely monitoring developments surrounding the Colombian forward. The report suggests that Villa could entertain the idea of selling Duran if a lucrative bid is presented, thereby creating an opportunity for Retegui to be brought in as a replacement.
Napoli are another club expressing interest in Duran and are tracking Retegui’s progress as well. Should Villa decide to part ways with Duran, securing the Atalanta attacker, valued at £55 million, could become a priority as they navigate the complexities of the January transfer window.
Duran has embraced his recent starting role, while Retegui is enjoying a strong start to his campaign at Atalanta. However, the potential departure of either player midway through the season raises concerns about the feasibility of such transfers for both clubs.
Moreover, Villa may be facing underlying financial pressures, which could render the sale of Duran a significant setback from a sporting perspective. Although Atalanta are currently reluctant to part with Retegui, they may reconsider if a suitable offer approaching the £55 million mark is made. Ultimately, any potential transfer will likely hinge on Retegui's personal aspirations, as he appears content with his current form and position at Atalanta.