There has been a resurgence of interest in the Colombian player we all hoped would join West Ham during the August transfer window. The infamous “crossed arms” post from the Hammers sparked outrage among Aston Villa fans, who justifiably viewed it as an act of disloyalty.
This kind of fan reaction is not new; West Ham supporters were similarly upset years ago when Paul Ince was spotted in a Manchester United kit while still representing the Hammers. Thus, it’s easy to see why Duran’s actions have created a stir.
Recent revelations from a former Aston Villa scout have added another layer to this narrative. Mick Brown shared insights with footballinsider247.com, highlighting concerns about Duran’s attitude that were known among teams considering bidding for him.
He noted that Aston Villa had reservations about the Colombian’s character, suggesting that perhaps West Ham made the right call in not pursuing him further.
Brown stated, “Those concerns at Villa seem to have been brushed under the carpet because he’s had a fantastic season and committed to a big new deal.” This sentiment indicates that while Duran may be performing well on the pitch, there are lingering doubts regarding his demeanor off it.
Interestingly, Arsenal has also been monitoring Duran as they seek a new striker. However, the Gunners reportedly have reservations stemming from his past behavior.
The football insider report confirmed that “behind-the-scenes issues involving the player in the past raised red flags for the Gunners’ recruitment team.” This news suggests that Duran has not passed the “attitude test” for Mikel Arteta’s squad.
In light of these developments, one could argue that Aston Villa may have avoided a potential headache by opting not to sign Duran for £40 million. While some may feel that any level of unrest would be worth it for a player capable of scoring 20 goals a season, it appears that Villa fans and pundits are divided on this issue. Many readers from Claret and Hugh seem to think the potential rewards might justify the risks associated with such a player.
Unai Emery, Villa’s manager, has shown an ability to manage Duran, despite the young forward’s known desire to move away from the Midlands club. The question remains: how will Villa’s number 9 cope in the long run while playing second fiddle to Ollie Watkins? If he finds himself relegated to a supporting role, it’s possible he could agitate for a transfer once again.
Rumors have already linked Duran with clubs like Chelsea and West Ham, but with Arsenal having decided to “pass” on him, one wonders who might be next in line to pursue the talented forward. Liverpool could very well be the next team to enter the fray, adding another twist to this ongoing saga.
As the situation unfolds, it will be fascinating to see how Duran navigates his career and whether he can maintain his performance levels while dealing with the complexities of his reputation.