Unai Emery admits 'proud' truth behind Jhon Duran transfer and hints at £46m replacement

Aston Villa’s head coach was honest and open with the media after the news broke that a bid had been accepted for wonderkid striker Jhon Duran.

Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr agreed a package of €77 million (£64.5m) plus add-ons on Thursday evening, while Duran had himself already accepted the terms of a five-and-a-half year contract.

Emery has often shied away from transfer speculation but the Spaniard was happy to explain the situation following Villa’s 4-2 triumph over Celtic in the UEFA Champions League. The result secured a spot in the last 16 of Europe’s elite competition but Duran won’t be taking any further part with Emery alluding to his departure.

“I don’t know exactly until everything is done if Jhon Duran is leaving or not, but if he is leaving, it’s good news for us because they are paying good money,” Emery said.

“It’s good for him, we developed one good player in two years getting this offer. This is one thing for the club, the player and the team. Those three circumstances can be positive.”

Villa maintained a not-for-sale stance for quite some time - including throughout the summer when Chelsea and West Ham United looked close to acquiring Duran’s services - but the situation has turned on its head in the past few days.

Emery, along with president of football operations Monchi and director of football Damian Vidagany, decided it was in the best interests of all parties to let Duran go after all.

“The club is working, we have to be intelligent and competitive,” Emery added. “Of course we are developing players and increasing our objective, increasing our target – getting it playing in the Champions League.

“We are in the eyes for other strong teams and other strong countries or leagues like in Arabia. It’s something I can feel proud of, because they are improving and we are having players interesting for other clubs and as well paying good money for us.

“He’s a fantastic player with fantastic potential as a young player. I was always trying to give my advice for everything, I was so close with him in his development. But the players as well have their objectives and their ambitions, in case he’s leaving it’s because he prefers to do another way in his career.”

Unai Emery hints at Jhon Duran replacement

Emery has already subtly insinuated that Villa will be signing a replacement once Duran’s departure has been formalised. Birmingham World understands Chelsea attacker Joao Felix is the preferred option but it could be a complicated deal to complete.

Felix, signed for £46.3 million, has played just 363 minutes in the Premier League this season, rarely featuring due to Cole Palmer’s talismanic presence in the same position. Appearances in other competitions have been a success this term, at least, as Felix has scored four goals in just five Europa Conference League games and a further two goals in the FA Cup.

It awaits to be seen if Villa will proceed with an official approach for Felix but what is certain is Emery isn’t hanging around to fill the void soon to be left by Duran.

“Our objective here for us is to keep our structure intelligently because we want to keep the level we are, to keep it for a long time is the most difficult challenge we have. Sometimes we have to sell some players but as well we try to replace them with good players and try to develop them here,” Emery said.