Jhon Duran: Aston Villa forward completes £64m move to Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr
Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran has completed a £64m move to Saudi Arabia; the Colombian joins Al Nassr, the club Cristiano Ronaldo plays for; Duran leaves Villa amid Arsenal's interest in Ollie Watkins, while Villa could move for Joao Felix and Marco Asensio
Friday 31 January 2025 21:44, UK
Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran has completed a £64m move to Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr.
The Colombia striker leaves Villa Park to join Cristiano Ronaldo at the Saudi club having scored 12 goals in 29 appearances this season.
Al Nassr are understood to be paying just over £64m (€77m) plus bonuses for the striker, who was signed for around £15m from MLS side Chicago Fire FC two years ago.
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Duran's move comes after Arsenal saw a bid rejected for Villa striker Ollie Watkins, who Unai Emery revealed on Friday is happy to stay at the club this season.
"Yes, he is happy to stay. We asked him how he is feeling and he is happy here," Emery said when asked about Watkins' future ahead of the game against Wolves, live on Saturday Night Football.
"The commitment of Watkins is really a huge commitment to defend Aston Villa.
"He appreciates how Aston Villa was always supporting him and helping him. Also, when we joined two years ago, how we always tried to get the best of him."
Could Villa sell Watkins AND Duran?
Sky Sports' Paul Merson on the Transfer Show:
"No disrespect, Watkins is at Aston Villa and Arsenal are coming for you. Arsenal are that next level for Watkins and he supports them as a fan.
"For me, you can't keep on rushing in and buying Tom, Dick or Harry. And it's hard to play for Arsenal, you can't buy anyone. You've seen that with Rasmus Hojlund at Manchester United, it's hard to play for these big clubs. You're highlighted, you're under pressure from the word go.
"But Watkins has played for this league, scores goals and plays for England. It just fits. And he hits the ground running for the next three or four months and gives Arsenal the opportunity of winning the Premier League.
"Would I be surprised if Villa did sell him? I wouldn't. Money talks. Arsenal tried to catch Villa cold and offered £60m. Then Saudi offered £60m for Duran and then Villa go: do you keep the 29-year-old for £60m or the 21-year-old for £60m?
"They sold the 21-year-old for £60m. So it tells you something about the 21-year-old in my opinion..."
Could Felix, Asensio replace Duran at Villa?
While the main talking points surrounding Villa in recent days have been outgoings, the club are still working diligently behind the scenes to improve the squad Emery has at his disposal.
Sky Sports News understands the club are lining up potential replacements for Duran, and Villa's president of football operations, Monchi, has confirmed their interest in Chelsea's Joao Felix and Paris Saint-Germain forward Marco Asensio.
The Spaniard told Spanish television channel Cope on Thursday night: "They are similar players who Unai Emery likes.
"Asensio was tried by Aston Villa before I arrived. Last summer we were close to Joao. Neither of them are easy because in terms of salary and cost they are not simple.
"If there is a coach in world football who recovers players, it is Unai Emery. He has been able to recover talents.
"Joao Felix has talent and it is only a matter of finding the right environment to bring out the best version of himself. Unai works very well on that."
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