Aston Villa's in-form striker Jhon Duran has reportedly attracted interest from Arsenal and Barcelona after a prolific start to the 2024/2025 season, although any interested clubs would have to meet an eye-watering price tag. Despite not having started a single Premier League match this season, Duran has already netted four top-flight goals. Unai Emery included the 20-year-old in the starting XI for a midweek Champions League clash against Bologna, where Villa secured a 2-0 victory.
Duran's impressive performances earned him a new contract at the beginning of October, extending his stay with Aston Villa until 2030. This fresh deal has provided Villa with the leverage to increase their asking price to £90 million (€75 million), according to a report from the Colombian edition of Diario AS. Villa's Premier League rivals Arsenal and La Liga giants Barcelona are now among the clubs interested in the young striker, joining a long line of suitors. Aston Villa's director of football operations, Damian Vidagany, stated that "no fewer than 40 clubs" are monitoring Duran's situation.
Previously, West Ham United was close to securing Duran's signature during the summer transfer window. The player appeared to show interest in joining the Hammers, performing West Ham's 'Irons' celebration on social media before ultimately staying at Villa Park. Duran was instrumental in Villa's opening game of the season, scoring the winning goal against West Ham.
Chelsea also showed interest in the Colombia international over the summer and reportedly remain on alert but are deterred by Aston Villa's steep asking price. Should Duran's £90 million fee be met, he would become the most expensive Colombian in football history, surpassing even Jack Grealish's move to Manchester City for £100 million in 2021.
Interestingly, if given the choice, Bayern Munich may be Duran's preferred destination. After coming off the bench to score a stunning winner against the Bundesliga powerhouse, Duran referred to Bayern as "the club of my dreams." If Bayern were to agree to the £90 million fee, Duran would become the club's second-largest signing, falling just £5 million short of Harry Kane's transfer fee.