Aston Villa's promising forward attracts serious interest from AC Milan

AC Milan has emerged as a potential suitor for Aston Villa's young striker Jhon Duran as per Football Italia. The 20-year-old Colombian, who was previously linked with Premier League giants Chelsea and West Ham, has caught the eye of the Italian club.

Jhon Duran made the switch to Aston Villa from Chicago Fire in January 2023 for a fee of approximately £18 million. Despite limited opportunities on the pitch last season, the young striker showcased his potential by netting five goals in just 462 Premier League minutes. His standout performances have caught the attention of several top clubs eager to secure his talents.

AC Milan's interest in Duran is part of their larger plan to bolster their attacking options. The club has already agreed terms with Spain's Euro 2024 winner Alvaro Morata from Atletico Madrid. However, they are still in the market for additional firepower, with Duran emerging as a promising prospect.

Aston Villa has been one of the most active clubs in the European transfer market this summer. Under the guidance of manager Unai Emery, the club has made several significant additions to their squad. These include Ian Maatsen from Chelsea, Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea from Juventus, Lewis Dobbin from Everton, and Ross Barkley from Luton Town. The club also secured a major deal by signing midfielder Amadou Onana from Everton for £50 million, effectively replacing Douglas Luiz, who joined Juventus in a swap deal.

While AC Milan is keen on acquiring Duran, they are wary of overpaying for the young talent. Compared to Premier League clubs like West Ham and Chelsea, Milan operates on a more restricted budget. Aston Villa is reportedly holding out for a £40 million fee for Duran, a price that has deterred other interested parties. However, Villa hopes that Milan's interest will provide them with leverage in negotiations, potentially leading to a favourable deal.

Duran's recent involvement with the Colombian national team at the Copa America has further highlighted his potential. Although he did not feature in the final against Argentina, his presence in such a high-profile tournament has added to his growing reputation. This experience could make him an even more attractive prospect for AC Milan, who are looking to develop young talent alongside established stars like Morata.

AC Milan's interest in the young striker has added a new dimension to the ongoing transfer saga. Aston Villa will be looking to capitalise on this interest, potentially securing a substantial fee for their rising star.