Report: Arsenal & Barcelona join race for Jhon Duran as Aston Villa set asking price | OneFootball

Aston Villa's in-form striker Jhon Duran has reportedly attracted interest from Arsenal and Barcelona after a prolific start to the season, although any club would have to match an eye-watering price tag.

Despite failing to start a single Premier League game this season, Duran has already amassed four top-flight goals. Unai Emery started the burly 20-year-old against Bologna in midweek, watching on as the season's surprise package sealed a 2-0 Champions League victory.

Duran's blistering form earned him a new contract at the start of October, extending his stay at the club until 2030. That fresh deal has given Villa scope to increase their asking price for Duran, with Emery's side demanding €90m (£75m) according to a report from the Colombian edition of Diario AS.

Villa's Premier League rivals Arsenal and Spanish behemoths Barcelona are both thought to be interested in Duran. The two European giants have joined a long queue. Aston Villa director of football operations Damian Vidagany claimed that "no fewer than 40 clubs" want Duran.

Jhon Duran has averaged a goal every 58 minutes this season / Michael Steele/GettyImages

West Ham United were on the verge of winning the competitive race for Duran's signature over the summer. The player appeared to be keen on a move, performing West Ham's 'Irons' celebration by crossing his arms on social media over the summer, before staying in the Midlands. Predictably, Duran scored Villa's winning goal against West Ham in the opening game of the season.

Chelsea were also interested in the Colombia international over the summer and have reportedly continued to keep tabs on the prolific forward. However, the Blues are thought to be put off by Villa's steep asking price, which would make Duran the most expensive Colombian in football history. Jack Grealish - who move to Manchester City for £100m in 2021 - is the only player Villa have sold for a larger sum.

If Duran had his way, Bayern Munich may be his preferred destination. After emerging off the bench to fire in a brilliant winner against the Bundesliga powerhouse, Villa's number nine described his opponent's as "the club of my dreams". If Bayern were to meet Duran's €90m price tag, he would become the institution's second-biggest signing ever, arriving for just €5m less than Harry Kane's fee.