'He's the right player' – Patrick Vieira urges Arsenal to sign Aston Villa star Jhon Duran

10/31/2024 04:29 PM

Patrick Vieira has encouraged Arsenal to explore a transfer move for Jhon Duran, claiming the striker is ‘the right player’ to take the club to the next level up front.

Arsenal were credited with an interest in a host of high-profile forwards throughout the summer, including Alexander Isak, Victor Osimhen and Dusan Vlahovic, but Mikel Arteta has decided to keep faith with Kai Havertz in the No.9 role.

And while Havertz has enjoyed a strong start to the new season, the north London giants continue to be linked with strikers across Europe, with Aston Villa’s Duran, 20, the latest name to emerge as a top target.

Earlier this month, reports emanating out of Duran’s native Colombia indicated that Arsenal had approached Villa over the player’s potential availability ahead of the January transfer window.

Duran has largely played second fiddle to Ollie Watkins at Villa Park but Arsenal’s Premier League rivals are not prepared to do business for anything less than £75million for the youngster, who has scored eight goals in 14 games this term.

But legendary ex-Arsenal captain Vieira has not been put off by Duran’s price tag and believes the ‘intelligent’ Colombia international could be the man to get the Gunners firing.

‘I loved his performance against Bayern Munich,’ Vieira told bettingexpert.com.

‘He's the right player for Arsenal – quick, unselfish, solid in the air, technically skilled, and intelligent in his movement.’

Arsenal have also been tentatively linked with Sporting attacker Viktor Gyokeres in recent months and Vieira feels Arteta could benefit from a true No.9 in the mold of Erling Haaland.

‘The question is whether Arsenal can reach their goals with a genuine goalscorer or a false No.9,’ the Frenchman added.

‘Havertz has performed well since the season’s start and has the potential to fill that role.

‘But as Manchester City have shown, having a pure striker like Haaland makes winning games easier.’

According to Vieira, Arteta has helped restore an ‘energy’ in ‘all areas of the club’ since taking over the reins back in December 2019.

‘I'm delighted that Mikel can work with peace of mind and has the opportunity to make a long-term commitment,’ Vieira continued.

‘What's really interesting is that he's brought energy back to all areas of the club.

‘The players give the impression they're giving everything for their club and coach, and that's an essential factor.

‘There's a specific culture in Arsenal's play that needs to be respected, and Mikel seems capable of restoring it.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.