West Ham have revived their interest during the January transfer window, reportedly approaching Aston Villa with a £57m bid.
Unai Emery has issued a warning to Arsenal in signing Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran before the January transfer window closes.
Duran was once again named on Villa’s bench on Sunday as England international Ollie Watkins started the Premier League clash against West Ham.
Colombia star Duran has only started four league games this season and his lack of regular minutes has led to speculation over a January exit.
Duran was heavily linked with West Ham and Chelsea before Aston Villa secured his signature in a deal worth £17m.
Arsenal have also been linked with a move for the 21-year-old as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his attacking options before the window shuts.
Speaking after Aston Villa’s 1-1 draw with West Ham, Emery admitted the Duran transfer rumours were proving to be a distraction but insisted he wants the forward to stay at the Midlands club.
The circumstances in this moment are not helping us to be 100% focused,’ Emery told Sky Sports when asked about Duran’s future.
‘But Jhon Duran is our player and I am happy with him. I want him here with us. I want him here.’
Duran has scored 12 goals in 28 appearances for Aston Villa this season but would undoubtedly boast better numbers if he was starting more regularly.
