Barcelona have been scouring European football for their next answer to the number nine position, realizing that Robert Lewandowski will turn 37 next August, even though his contract extends into next season. One of the names they have identified as a potential successor is the subject of a major transfer bid in the Premier League.
Colombia and Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran have been in good form this season, sharing the number nine spot with Ollie Watkins up front. Unai Emery's preference to use one or the other has led to no shortage of speculation that someone could replace Duran and offer him a starting role.
At the very least, West Ham United believe they can do this successfully. According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, West Ham have made a bid of just over €67 million for Duran, excluding various add-ons. Villa are expected to reject the offer as they have no intention of selling Duran, not least in January.
Duran recently extended his contract with Villa until 2030, putting them in a strong negotiating position. That is probably the biggest obstacle for Barcelona to sign him in the near future, despite their return to the salary cap and the 1:1 rule. It would have to be a big fee to entice Villa to accept it.
According to reports in the Catalan capital, Duran is one of the favorite targets for the coming years and the number nine, along with Newcastle United's Aleksander Isak. They met with Duran's agents in December simply to gauge his interest in a move to Barcelona, rather than negotiating figures with them, and a move is not expected any time soon. However, if Villa cannot offer the 21-year-old a starting role soon, it would not be a surprise to see Duran leave.
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