Aston Villa's sporting director talks about Duran staying at Villa

Alongside improving the defence, West Ham's priority in this summer transfer window was to bring in a world class centre forward. Given star performer Michail Antonio's struggling form in the last season, the Hammers tried to bring a young and in form striker to the London Stadium. Thus, West Ham set their sights on signing Aston Villa's talented 20-year-old centre forward, Jhon Duran as their long term number nine at the club. 

Aston Villa already had star striker Ollie Watkins, thus Duran was also open to the move in order to get more playing time in the Premier League. Therefore, it was widely expected that an agreement will be reached between the two clubs and Duran will join West Ham in the transfer window. However, Aston Villa rejected the Hammers offer of £32 million, add-ons as well as academy talent Lewis Orford, and Duran stayed at Villa after the summer transfer window. 

Aston Villa's sporting director talks about Duran staying at Villa

This season, the Colombia international has started the new Premier League season on a high note scoring two goals in the first three league matches. Also, in the opening matchday of the Premier League, Duran scored the 2-1 goal against West Ham to secure the three points for Aston Villa. Now, Aston Villa's sporting director Monchi has opened up on Duran's transfer situation in this summer, saying,

"There are no fewer than 40 clubs who want Duran. But Emery is very confident with Jhon. He thinks Duran he can become one of the best strikers in the world. He wanted to leave, yes. Just because he wants to play, normal. But now it’s all good, he’s happy."

- Monchi

Monchi revealed that Duran wants to stay at Aston Villa and wants to become a prolific Premier League striker at the club. Meanwhile, West Ham have signed Niclas Fullkrug, who is a quality centre forward and will return to face Chelsea in the fifth Premier League match.