Patrick Vieira has urged Arsenal to pursue Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran, calling him an ideal addition for the club’s forward line.
Arsenal explored options for prominent forwards over the summer, considering names like Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyokeres, and Dusan Vlahovic, but Mikel Arteta ultimately chose to rely on Kai Havertz as the team’s main striker.
Havertz has made a solid start to the season, yet Arsenal continues to be linked with top attacking talent, with Duran emerging as a key January target. Earlier reports from Colombia suggested Arsenal has already inquired about Duran’s availability.
Although the 20-year-old has mostly served as a backup to Ollie Watkins, Villa would reportedly demand at least £75 million for the young striker, who has scored eight goals in 14 appearances this season.
Vieira is unfazed by Duran’s high price tag, seeing him as a smart and technically skilled player with aerial strength and solid movement. “I loved his performance against Bayern Munich,” Vieira said, adding that Duran’s quick, unselfish playstyle could perfectly suit Arsenal’s needs.
Arsenal has also been linked with Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, and Vieira suggests Arteta could benefit from having a traditional No.9. “Havertz has done well, but as we’ve seen with Manchester City’s success with Erling Haaland, having a dedicated striker often simplifies winning games,” the former Arsenal captain remarked.
Vieira praised Arteta’s broader influence on Arsenal since becoming manager in 2019, highlighting the new energy and commitment Arteta has fostered.
“The players appear fully dedicated to the club and their coach, which is crucial. There’s a unique culture to Arsenal’s play, and Mikel seems capable of reinstating it,” he concluded.