Aston Villa are reportedly set to accept a huge £59million bid from Al-Nassr for striker Jhon Duran. The striker’s future has been the subject of speculation this month, with the Colombian linked to the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea.
The Midlands outfit have also rejected two bids from West Ham, the second of which was thought to be just short of the offer that’s now come in from the Saudi Pro League side.
And according to L’Equipe, Duran is now on the verge of joining Cristiano Ronaldo’s side, having already agreed personal terms with the club.
The development follows reports that PSG were preparing an offer for the 21-year-old. But a move to Paris now appears unlikely, with Al-Nassr able to offer a superior financial package to both the English club and the player.
Despite only starting four Premier League starts this season, Dhuran’s contribution has been a significant one, scoring 12 times in 28 appearances. And is impact off the bench has led to interest from a host of European clubs.
In October, he scored his first Champions League goal, a stunning strike in the 1–0 win over Bayern Munich. Just days later, he appeared to commit his future to the club long-term by signing a new contract until 2030.
After the 1-1 draw with West Ham on Sunday, Villa manager Unai Emery admitted the speculation around the player was proving a distraction. But he insisted he wanted to keep the forward at the club.
“The circumstances in this moment are not helping us to be 100 per cent focused,” he said. “But Jhon Duran is our player and I am happy with him. I want him here with us. I want him here.”
Again, Duran was confined to a replacement role, replacing Ollie Watkins on the 66-minute mark. It was the 16th time he had come on in the second half in the Premier League during the 2024/25 campaign.
As well as Ronaldo, Al-Nassr already have former Premier League stars like Sadio Mane and Aymeric Laporte in their ranks. But they only lie fourth in the Pro League, eight points off leaders Al-Hilal.
Dhuran has been at Villa since January 2022, signing from Chicago Fire in a deal initially worth £14.75m. He previously come through the ranks in his home country with Envigado.
