Aston Villa are now very interested in signing a £41m striker this summer to replace Jhon Duran, according to a report.
Duran seals big-money move to Saudi Arabia
Duran had been enjoying a breakout season for Villa, making a name for himself with goals in the Premier League and Champions League, but the 21-year-old’s time in the Midlands was short-lived, signing for Al-Nassr for a fee of £71m last month.
With the move taking place late in the January transfer window, Unai Emery was short on time to bring in a like-for-like replacement, but the manager did manage to strengthen his attacking options in a more general sense during the winter window.
Donyell Malen was brought in from Borussia Dortmund, while Marcus Rashford arrived on loan from Manchester United for the remainder of the season, but there have already been suggestions the Englishman is still eyeing a summer move to Barcelona.
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Former scout Mick Brown believes moves are being made to sign an “unbelievable” player on a permanent basis.
As such, Emery may have to bring in another striker this summer, and a report from Spain has now revealed Aston Villa are very interested in signing FC Porto striker Samu Omorodion, following his impressive performances in Portugal (via Sport Witness).
Ollie Watkins is the only out-and-out striker at Emery’s disposal at present, meaning the manager wants to bring in a new option this summer, and the Villans are the main suitors for Omorodion from the Premier League.
The youngster is said to have similar characteristics to Duran, which would make him an ideal replacement for the Colombian, and the Liga Portugal side could be interested in doing a deal for around €50m (£41m).
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Aston Villa’s upcoming Premier League fixtures |
Date |
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Chelsea (h) |
February 22nd |
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Crystal Palace (a) |
February 25th |
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Brentford (a) |
March 8th |
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Brighton & Hove Albion (a) |
April 1st |
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Nottingham Forest (h) |
April 5th |
Samu could be the perfect Duran replacement
The strikers are of a similar age, with the Porto “beast” slightly younger than Duran at 20-years-old, and the similarities don’t stop there. Most importantly, the Spaniard has a keen eye for goal, much like his potential predecessor, having scored 18 goals in 29 games in all competitions this season, including five in eight Europa League games.
The duo are also both impressive in the air, averaging a similar number of aerials won per 90 over the past year, with Omorodion placing in the 79th percentile and Duran ranking in the 81st.
Watkins is enjoying yet another impressive season with the Villans, taking his Premier League goal tally to 12 for the season after scoring in the 2-2 draw against Liverpool last night.
However, if the 29-year-old were to pick up an injury, Emery would be without an out-and-out striker to replace him, so it is important a new young forward is brought in this summer, and Omorodion has proven he could be up to the task.
