Arsenal should have signed 'dangerous' Aston Villa player for £40m this summer - opinion

When Arsenal supporters imagine picking up a player from Aston Villa, most would go directly to Ollie Watkins, a natural goal scorer with years of success in the Premier League.

However, Unai Emery is simply never going to sell Watkins to Arsenal, hence why the club have never made a concerted bid, even if they are thought to appreciate his skill-set.

At 28-years-old and having a contract until 2028, it seems fairly certain that Watkins will spend the remainder of his top level days at the club, excellent news for those at Villa Park.

However, there was one attacker at Villa this summer who was seemingly a lot more attainable, a player who was chased by different Premier League clubs. 

Jhon Duran is the perfect backup striker for Kai Havertz at Arsenal

Jhon Duran often flirted with an exit from Villa Park this summer, a player who is not content as second choice under Emery.

Therefore, it may seem a little odd to suggest that Arsenal should make a move for Duran – but the Colombian could be a much better fit in north London.

Jhon Duran of Aston Villa celebrates scoring his team's second goal with teammate Morgan Rogers during the Premier League match between West Ham Un...

Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

Earlier this summer, Arsenal were rejected by Benjamin Sesko, who preferred to spend another year in the Bundesliga.

Mikel Arteta seemingly planned to use Sesko as Havertz’s sub, perhaps even starting when the German dropped into the number eight role.

Of course, there’s not the option to move Watkins around at Villa, he’s an out and out number nine.

And with the sniff that ‘dangerous‘ Duran could have been available for £40m, Arsenal should have made their move.

Gabriel Jesus’ days are numbered at the Emirates

Not only is Duran an excellent ball-striker, but he’s also got the physicality and speed to match – someone well suited to leading the line for the Gunners.

Chelsea wanted Duran this summer, and you can certainly see why.

Heading into the new season, there was fresh optimism about what Gabriel Jesus could achieve across the campaign.

However, just three games in and the Brazilian had picked up another injury, a familiar tale during his time in north London.

It may seem harsh to suggest that he should be replaced on that basis, but Arsenal were already willing to sell Jesus for the right price this summer.

And with someone like Duran possessing a fairly appealing asking price this summer, that chance could be one Arsenal come to regret in the future.