Arsenal’s Ollie Watkins move KO’d as Jhon Duran set for stunning move to partner Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr
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Jhon Duran is set to undergo a medical with Al Nassr ahead of a move from Aston Villa, talkSPORT understands.

The big-spending Saudi Pro League is looking to make another major attacking transfer this January and Duran will be the next to join after a breakthrough in talks with Villa.

Duran looks set for a massive payday in Saudi having agreed a big money transfer from Villa

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Duran looks set for a massive payday in Saudi having agreed a big money transfer from VillaCredit: Getty

Villa have reached an agreement to sell Duran for an initial of fee of €77million (£64.5m), with add-ons taking the total package to €90m (£75m).

It’s a transfer that will see the 21-year-old Colombian play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, who signed for Al Nassr at the beginning of 2023.

And it is set to KO Arsenal’s attempts to sign Ollie Watkins, with the Gunners launching a shock bid earlier on Wednesday.

Villa immediately rejected that offer from their Premier League rivals and will not entertain losing both their strikers, despite the England forward being open to the move.

Duran will now be the one to depart, having agreed personal terms with Al Nassr on a five-and-a-half year contract.

He is scheduled to undergo a medical in London on Thursday and to sign his contract.

talkSPORT understands Duran will bank €15m (approximately £12.5m) a year – almost £250,000 per week.

When asked about Duran’s movements, Villa boss Unai Emery said: “Tomorrow or Friday we can talk about the transfer, or maybe next week, until everything is done I don’t want to speak, because in football everything can happen.

“The club is working and trying to compete in the transfer window because we need some players. Some can leave, but it is not time to speak about it.”

Signed by Villa in 2023 from Chicago Fire, Duran impressed enough to attract interest from Chelsea in his first season, but this January had been all about another London club.

Duran is set to leave Villa nearly two years after signing

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Duran is set to leave Villa nearly two years after signingCredit: Getty
Arsenal's hopes of signing Watkins now appear to be over

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Arsenal’s hopes of signing Watkins now appear to be overCredit: Getty

West Ham bid £40million and £57million for the Villa man this month and despite the Hammers being unsuccessful, Saudi dealmakers haven’t been put off.

Al Nassr have also been keen on Bayer Leverkusen talent Victor Boniface, but Duran is now set to scupper that move.

Duran has netted 12 goals from 29 appearances this season for Unai Emery’s team, but has largely played second fiddle to Watkins.

He was named on the bench on Wednesday night for Villa’s 4-2 win against Celtic in the Champions League, with Watkins again preferred up front.

Duran began his career with Colombian outfit Envigado in 2019 before making his move to Chicago Fire.

He scored eight goals in 28 appearances for the MLS side and that was enough to encourage Villa to spend just shy of £18m for Duran in the summer of 2023.

Furious Gabby Agbonlahor calls talkSPORT to vent fury at Arsenal over Ollie Watkins approach

Duran scored just five Premier League goals last season but his efforts attracted the attention of Chelsea and West Ham in the summer.

But he stayed at Villa Park and has enjoyed a productive season with 12 goals, including three in the Champions League.

But now he’s set for a new challenge in the Middle East.

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