Arsenal submit €55m bid for Havertz replacement

Arsenal have seen an opening bid of €55 million for Jhon Duran turned down by Aston Villa, according to reports in Colombia.

Duran is being courted by a host of top Premier League clubs following his outstanding start to the new season and Arsenal are eager to sign him amid their current goalscoring woes.

Mikel Arteta’s side haven’t scored in their last two fixtures across all competitions and Kai Havertz has only found the back of the net on one occasion in six matches.

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As a result, Arsenal are expected to sign a new centre-forward in 2025, with Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic and Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak all on their transfer wish-list.

In addition, the Gunners are also monitoring Duran’s situation at Aston Villa and they have reportedly lodged an opening offer worth €55m for the 20-year-old.

That is according to Colombian outlet Antena 2, who claim that Unai Emery’s side swiftly rejected the bid, with Villa holding out for a fee of at least €85m.

Duran has only started three games in all competitions so far this campaign, due to competition from Ollie Watkins, but he has scored eight times, averaging a goal every 73 minutes in 2024-25.

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’Arsenal need a new striker’ – Alan Shearer

Arsenal’s interest in Duran comes after they were urged to sign a new number nine by Newcastle legend Alan Shearer, who believes Arteta’s side “need” a reliable goalscorer through the middle.

“I’ve been impressed with what I’ve seen from Havertz this season,” Shearer told The Athletic.

“In terms of being a traditional centre-forward, see Cole Palmer above. Those things aren’t natural to him, but in terms of leading the line and bringing people into the game, he’s doing it and done it as well as he could, even if it has been a difficult few games for Arsenal.

“I haven’t changed my view since last season. They’ve got Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus, but I’d still say they need an out-and-out centre-forward. They needed one in the summer. They still do now.”