
John Duran Set for Stunning £64M Saudi Move to Partner Cristiano Ronaldo as Arsenal’s Ollie Watkins Bid Rejected
By [Your Name], [Date]
Aston Villa’s young Colombian striker Jhon Duran is on the verge of completing a sensational £64 million move to Saudi Arabia, where he is set to link up with footballing icon Cristiano Ronaldo. This move comes as Arsenal’s bid for Ollie Watkins has been firmly rejected, leaving the Gunners scrambling for alternative striking options.
Duran’s Rapid Rise and Villa Exit
Jhon Duran, just 20 years old, has quickly become one of the most sought-after young talents in European football. After signing for Aston Villa from MLS side Chicago Fire in January 2023 for a reported £18 million, Duran has shown flashes of his immense potential in the Premier League. While he hasn’t yet cemented himself as Villa’s main striker, his physicality, pace, and eye for goal have caught the attention of several top clubs, including those in the Saudi Pro League.
Villa boss Unai Emery has been keen to develop Duran as a long-term option for the club. However, the growing financial power of Saudi Arabian football has made it difficult for English clubs to resist big-money offers. With a £64 million fee on the table, Villa are set to make a significant profit on a player who has been mostly used as a backup to Ollie Watkins.
Saudi Arabia’s Growing Influence in Football
Duran’s move is the latest in a series of high-profile transfers to Saudi Arabia, as the nation continues its aggressive push to establish itself as a dominant force in world football. Since Cristiano Ronaldo’s groundbreaking move to Al-Nassr in January 2023, the Saudi Pro League has seen a surge in superstar arrivals, including Karim Benzema, Neymar, and Sadio Mané.
For Duran, the prospect of playing alongside Ronaldo at Al-Nassr is a major pull. The Portuguese legend remains a huge influence on young players, and the opportunity to learn from him could accelerate Duran’s development. At the same time, the financial rewards on offer are undeniable. Reports suggest that Duran will be earning a salary far beyond what he could expect at Aston Villa or any other European club at this stage of his career.
Arsenal’s Failed Attempt to Sign Ollie Watkins
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s pursuit of Aston Villa’s star striker Ollie Watkins has hit a dead end. The Gunners have been actively searching for an elite centre-forward to boost their title challenge, with Mikel Arteta keen on adding a proven Premier League goalscorer to his squad.
Watkins, who has been in outstanding form for Villa, was identified as a prime target, but Villa have no intention of selling their talisman. The England international recently signed a new long-term contract, and Villa consider him central to their ambitions of securing European football on a consistent basis.
Arsenal reportedly submitted a bid in excess of £60 million, but Villa swiftly rejected the offer, making it clear that Watkins is not for sale. The rejection leaves Arsenal with a major dilemma as they look to reinforce their attacking options before the transfer window closes.
What’s Next for Arsenal?
With Watkins off the table and Duran heading to Saudi Arabia, Arsenal will have to explore other striker options. Arteta’s side has been linked with several high-profile forwards, including Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Brentford’s Ivan Toney, and Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic.
Osimhen would be a dream signing, but his release clause—reportedly around £112 million—makes him a difficult target. Brentford’s Ivan Toney remains a strong option, but his price tag of around £80 million is a significant hurdle. Vlahovic, meanwhile, has been a long-term target for Arsenal, but Juventus are reluctant to sell mid-season.
With Gabriel Jesus struggling with injuries and Eddie Nketiah yet to fully convince as a long-term starter, Arsenal’s need for a new No. 9 is more urgent than ever. If they fail to land a marquee striker, they may have to rely on internal solutions or wait until the summer transfer window to strengthen their attack.
How Will Villa Replace Duran?
Aston Villa’s decision to sell Duran means they will now need to reinforce their striking options. While Watkins remains their main man, Villa’s depth in the centre-forward position is now thin. Unai Emery is expected to enter the market for a replacement, with several names already being linked.
One potential option is Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee, who has been in excellent form in Serie A. The Dutch striker has attracted interest from several top clubs, including AC Milan and Manchester United, but Villa could make a move given their newfound financial flexibility.
Another possible target is Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesyri, a player who has long been on Villa’s radar. The Moroccan international has the experience and physical attributes to thrive in the Premier League, making him a viable replacement for Duran.
Villa could also look within the Premier League for reinforcements, with players like Dominic Solanke and Callum Wilson potentially available for the right price.
Is This the Right Move for Duran?
While a £64 million move to Saudi Arabia is a huge financial opportunity for Duran, some may argue that it is too soon for him to leave European football. At just 20 years old, the Colombian striker still has plenty of room for growth, and playing in the Premier League or another top European league could be more beneficial for his long-term development.
However, the chance to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo is an undeniable attraction. Training and competing with one of football’s greatest players could help him refine his skills and improve his understanding of the game. Additionally, the Saudi Pro League is becoming increasingly competitive, with higher standards of play and better coaching than in previous years.
For Duran, this move represents both a massive payday and a chance to showcase his talents on a new stage. If he performs well in Saudi Arabia, a return to Europe in the future is still very much a possibility.
Conclusion
Jhon Duran’s impending £64 million move to Saudi Arabia is a clear indication of the growing influence of the Saudi Pro League. The young Colombian striker will have the opportunity to play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, but his departure leaves Aston Villa with a gap to fill in their attacking lineup.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s rejection in their pursuit of Ollie Watkins means they must now look elsewhere for a top-class striker. With limited options available in the winter transfer market, the Gunners face a crucial few weeks as they aim to strengthen their squad for the title race.
As the transfer window unfolds, more twists and turns are expected. But one thing is certain—football’s financial landscape continues to evolve, and Saudi Arabia is rapidly becoming a major force in the global market.