Jhon Duran Says Goodbye as Arsenal Plans Second Bid for Watkins

There is talk of Jhon Duran moving to Al-Nassr. The Aston Villa striker is set to take his medical in Saudi Arabia, and he is saying goodbye to his teammates and staff after the Champions League victory against Celtic. He was seen handing out farewell gifts to his teammates and club staff. This led to speculation that the 21-year-old striker was ready to take a heap of money and move to Saudi Arabia.

He is reportedly on the cusp of heading for an Al-Nassr medical in a deal worth €77m (£64.5m). This could hinder Arsenal's attempt to sign Watkins. Duran was substituted out of Villa's match against Celtic, which ended in a 4-2 victory and sent the latter to the next round of the Champions League.

TNT Sports claims Duran was spotted distributing gifts in the tunnel after the game. His act suggested that he would soon be leaving. Regarding the future of Duran and Watkins, Villa manager Unai Emery said, "I don't know if Jhon Duran is leaving." 

Jhon Duran signed a new deal at Villa Park until 2030 last October but seems on course to depart just months later. Al-Nassr had previously agreed to sign Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface. However, the 21-year-old Villa striker was their choice instead.

Last week, Arsenal were said to have made their approach for the England international in Watkins, though Villa has no desire to sell him. It remains to be seen if Arsenal returns with a second bid, but Villa will be unwilling to part with either Jhon Duran or Watkins this season.

"As of now, after the match against Celtic on Wednesday, Unai Emery has hinted strongly about the departure of Durán. He said, 'I don't know exactly if Jhon Duran is going. However, we will be happy if he does leave because it indicates that they are paying well. We have developed a young player over the course of two years to get this offer. It is for the club, the players, and the team. He goes if he wants; if he chooses, of course, that is exactly what he wants to.'" 

However, Emery is committed to keeping Watkins. "I don't want to sell. It's good to have other clubs approach you. We want to maintain our sporting objectives through our squad players," he said. Any player can be sold if it suits their and the club's interests. We will be demanding that such a deal be approved. Watkins is our striker.