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Topics: Aston Villa, Champions League, Celtic
Jack Kenmare
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.