Arsenal have been backed to sign Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran in the January transfer window.

Gunners legend Patrick Vieira believes Arsenal should attempt to bring in Duran this winter to solve their goalscoring woes.

The North London side have failed to bounce back from last season’s near defeat to Manchester City in the Premier League title race and currently sit fifth in the standings, seven points behind leaders Liverpool. City are five points ahead, too, making for grim reading at this early stage of the new campaign.

Vieira has been impressed by Kai Havertz as the Gunners’ most advanced player but he feels a more natural striker would benefit Mikel Arteta’s side. It’s suggested signing a proven out-and-out centre forward could increase Arsenal’s chances of moving back into title contention, with Villa’s Duran a potential option.

“The question is whether Arsenal can reach their goals with a genuine goalscorer or a false number nine,” Vieira told BettingExpert.

Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran should be a January transfer target for Arsenal, says legendary midfielder Patrick Vieira. | Getty Images

placeholder image — Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran should be a January transfer target for Arsenal, says legendary midfielder Patrick Vieira. | Getty Images

“Havertz has performed well since the season's start and has the potential to fill that role. But, as Manchester City has shown, having a pure striker like Haaland makes winning games easier.”

On Duran, Vieira added: “I loved his performance against Bayern Munich. He’s the right player for Arsenal—quick, unselfish, solid in the air, technically skilled, and intelligent in his movement."

It’s perhaps a bold suggestion for Arsenal to sign Duran at this stage as the striker is just 20 years old and lacks experience at the top level. That said, the Colombia international’s record of eight goals in just 548 minutes this season suggests he’s got a huge future ahead.