Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran has been linked with a move away from the West Midlands club in recent months.
The 20-year-old Colombian international is a man in demand and a report from the Mirror claims that Aston Villa have already turned down around 40 transfer offers for the player. The Colombian has not had ample game time at Aston Villa and he is frustrated with the lack of first-team action.
Naturally, there were speculations surrounding his future at the club during the summer transfer window. However, Aston Villa ended up keeping him at Villa Park.
It will be interesting to see if they can nurture him into a quality first-team player in the coming seasons. The report states that Aston Villa manager Unai Emery is convinced that the Colombian could develop into one of the best strikers in the world.
Aston Villa paid £15 million to sign the player from Chicago Fire in January last year and he is highly rated within the club. Aston Villa must nurture him carefully and give him ample first team exposure if they want him to fulfil his tremendous potential.
Jhon Duran is an elite talent
Meanwhile, Aston Villa director of football, Damian Vidagany has revealed that the club has spoken to the striker regarding his lack of minutes and Unai Emery will provide him with more opportunities this season.
He said: “Jhon Duran is a 20-year-old boy and he knows what we know – that he has huge potential. He can be one of the best strikers in the world…period. Unai is giving him more minutes. And we have spoken to him. He’s training well – and he’s happy.
“If there is one club that really thinks Duran can become one of the best in the world, then that club is Aston Villa and that manager is Unai Emery.”
The 20-year-old is reportedly happy with his situation and it remains to be seen whether he can establish himself as a regular starter alongside Ollie Watkins. Aston Villa will need more quality and depth in the final third if they want to do well in the Champions League and the Premier League this season. Duran could prove to be a long-term asset for them.