To now, the January transfer window has been remarkably quiet, but that must be seen as a positive development. The days of us supporters waiting for a signing, any signing, to turn around our struggling team are long gone.
Unai Emery finds herself presented with a squad challenge that resembles a Rubix cube that she must attempt to solve. The Spaniard has to walk a tightrope regarding financial fair play while juggling mounting expectations against Villa’s thin team.
With three and a half years remaining on his recently enhanced contract, the 21-year-old winger is unlikely to be temped by bids below £10 million, according to sources close to the Teeside club. In addition, Villa are closely monitoring Jonathan Rowe of Norwich City, who has had three bids rejected. Rowe has scored twelve goals this season from a wide position, but because the transfer window is almost over, the Canaries are also hesitant to sell.
Jhon Duran’s connection to Chelsea is one that raises eyebrows.
The undeveloped Colombian attacker, 20, is an attractive talent, but he can also come off as a disgruntled player. Duran, who has scored four goals this season and is a full international, does seem to have something special about him, therefore there will be suitors for a player who is solidly behind Ollie Watkins in terms of selection and preference.
Although Duran is anticipated to miss several weeks due to injury, Chelsea is reportedly showing “legitimate” interest in him.
There’s no doubt that this transfer rumour is something to watch, especially as it could leave Emery without a reliable deep striker for the duration of the season.
