Unai Emery admits Jhon Duran could still leave Aston Villa after failed West Ham bid and Saudi interest

Duran was Villa’s winning goalscorer in the 2-1 victory away at West Ham United on the Premier League opening weekend. The 20-year-old finished emphatically from a low Jacob Ramsey cross to claim all three points at London Stadium.

It was an ironic moment as Duran was heavily linked with joining West Ham earlier in the transfer window. He even made an irons gesture with his fists during a social media stream, prompting an uproar from supporters and an internal investigation.

Emery has forgiven Duran, putting it down to immaturity and passion — but it was his last chance. If anything similar happens again, Villa will be far more willing to let the striker depart. Or at least that’s what Emery has implied.

“Sometimes it’s difficult to accept some mistakes but we have to accept in cases like that, a very young player and very passionate. He shows he has a strong energy and is always wishing to do everything,” Emery said after Villa’s win at West Ham.

“We believe in him, we believe in his potential. Always we are open to working with him, like today he did - helping the team, trying to be ready and available when we needed him.

“Sometimes, he needs to try to get a balance in everything. I am being very committed with him to try to get the best from him as a player, and even as a person. 

“Of course, there are some mistakes but we are trying to correct them. We have to accept it and of course, not repeat it,” Emery continued.

It’s understood that Chelsea were the first club to hold talks with Villa at the start of the transfer window, before West Ham saw two bids rejected. Interest also emerged from Saudi Arabia.

With Emery a great believer in Duran, and his ability clear to see most times he plays, Villa won’t accept any below-par offers.  

“In the beginning, I wanted him here. That’s not changing. Before the [West Ham] match it was the same, after it’s the same for me.

“In the case that he’s leaving, it’s because the offer is very good for the club. But I don’t want to let him leave, I want to keep him here with us because I believe in his process, increasing his level more and more. 

“We will need two strikers for the long season, playing a lot of matches with [Ollie] Watkins and Duran,” Emery concluded.