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Breaking News: Monchi Drops Bombshell About Jhon Duran After £35m Bids from West Ham and Chelsea
Aston Villa chief Monchi has revealed the stunning truth behind the Jhon Duran transfer saga.
Villa striker Duran was the subject of interest from dozens of teams throughout the summer, not just Premier League rivals Chelsea and West Ham United who both made bids.
Monchi, Villa’s president of football operations, has confirmed Duran wanted to leave the club to pursue regular starts but was convinced to stay. Unai Emery spoke to the Colombian and reassured him he would be integrated into the side gradually, explaining the difficulty of managing both him and Ollie Watkins.
So far this campaign, an attempt to strike a balance has been evident as Watkins has been substituted for Duran just after the hour mark in all three Premier League matches. More minutes will soon be available in the UEFA Champions League, too, with Duran set to be tested at an elite continental level.
If there is a club that really thinks Duran can become one of the top strikers in the world – then that one club is Aston Villa and that one manager is Unai Emery. There are no fewer than 40 clubs who want Duran – because everyone wants Duran,” Monchi told The Athletic.
“[Emery] is very confident with Duran. Very confident. He thinks in the next year he can become one of the best strikers in the world. But what is the problem? We have Watkins and Duran wants to play. He thinks he is better than Watkins. That is normal.
“To manage Watkins and Duran is not easy but it is the best for the team. If you have two big strikers it is better than only one. Did Duran want to leave the club? Yes. That is normal because he wants to play. But now we spoke with him and he is happy,” Monchi explained.
What makes the situation even more complex is the wild personality behind the controversial figure that Duran has established himself to be. The 20-year-old, who was described by captain John McGinn as “a bit nuts” last season, can often be a loose cannon.
The summer transfer window emphasised this tendency as Duran, when seemingly close to joining West Ham following several bids in excess of £30 million, posted on social media with his fists aloft in an ‘irons’ gesture. That action caused an uproar among supporters and warranted an internal club investigation.
If the player can mellow a little and display some patience, Villa and Duran could prove to be a match in heaven. Only time will tell.
