Topics: Aston Villa, Champions League, Celtic
As the oblivious Jhon Duran watched his side take an early lead in their Champions League clash against Celtic on Wednesday night, a significant update regarding his future emerged.
It will go down as one of the biggest transfers of the January window if a deal goes through.
Duran, who has been one of Aston Villa's standout performers this season with 12 goals in 29 games, is expected to undergo a medical in London on Thursday ahead of a proposed move to Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.
That's according to The Athletic, who reported on Wednesday night that an agreement in principle has been reached between Villa and Al Nassr worth £64.5 million plus add-ons.
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In fact, personal terms have already been agreed for Duran to make the big-money move which includes a five-and-half-year contract.
As well as the above details, journalist Nicolò Schira has claimed the former Chicago Fire forward will be handed a yearly salary of €20 million [£16.7m] at Al Nassr, which equates to around £320,000 per week.
Last summer, West Ham showed interest in Duran and submitted a bid worth £30 million plus teenage midfielder Lewis Orford for the striker – an offer that was rebuffed by Unai Emery's side.
And earlier this week, Villa turned down an £57million bid from the Hammers for the in-form Colombian forward.
It was suggested that the Premier League side had “no intention of selling” the 21-year-old in January but it appears things have changed following Al Nassr's big-money offer.
According to Foot Mercato, Real Madrid and PSG were also interested in signing Duran.
It has been a stressful evening for the Villains, who rejected a £60 million bid for Ollie Watkins on Wednesday.
Arsenal have identified the England international as 'the man they believe can ignite their Premier League title challenge', according to a report from the Daily Mail.
Mikel Arteta is said to be a long-term admirer of the 29-year-old, who has scored 10 goals in all competitions for Unai Emery's side this season.
However, the surprise bid has been rejected by Villa, although an improved attempt from the Gunners is expected ahead of Monday's deadline. It didn't exactly go down well with the Birmingham-based side.
