Arsenal ‘made a call’ to understand situation of in-form £80m star – Fabrizio Romano

Arsenal have not made any signings during the winter transfer window.

The Gunners have had a mixed campaign due to injuries and inconsistency, but they are only six points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, who have a game in hand.

Mikel Arteta’s side are still in the title race, but they need to bolster their attack over the next week following injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus. The latter won’t return this season.

The Gunners could prioritise a new striker. In an update last night, Fabrizio Romano revealed that Arsenal have ‘made a call’ to Aston Villa to understand Jhon Duran’s situation.

He said on YouTube: “Arsenal made a call in the last few weeks to understand the situation of Jhon Duran.”

Romano did not specify anything else but added that Arsenal are eyeing an alternative with Benjamin Sesko and Alexander Isak unlikely to be available before the deadline.

Arsenal unlikely to make huge outlay on Duran

The Colombian striker was linked with a move to Chelsea last summer, but a transfer did not materialise.

The 21-year-old has gone on to shine for the Villans this campaign. He has played mainly as a substitute but has scored 12 goals from just over 1,000 minutes.

West Ham United made an ambitious £57 million offer for him earlier this winter, but their proposal was swiftly rejected, with Villa placing a hefty £80m price tag.

In our view, Arsenal are unlikely to make such a huge outlay on Duran. Manager Mikel Arteta is clearly an admirer of Sesko, and the club could wait for his signature.

That could mean they may not want to overspend in the current window. With only six more days left before the deadline, a foreign loan deal could be pursued.

Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic could be a more realistic target with Arsenal’s long-term interest in him. He could depart with the Bianconeri’s acquisition of Randal Kolo Muani on loan.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com