Aston Villa has turned down Arsenal’s interest in forward Jhon Duran, while Chelsea has set a price for Christopher Nkunku.

Villa Set to Retain Arsenal Target Duran Amid January Transfer Speculation

Aston Villa’s promising forward, Jhon Duran, has been the subject of intense speculation regarding a potential move away from Villa Park this January. However, it appears that the club is determined to keep hold of the 21-year-old, who has attracted interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal.

According to reports from The Mirror, Aston Villa have issued a firm hands-off warning to the Gunners, making it clear that they have no intention of parting ways with Duran during the winter transfer window. Arsenal are in urgent need of reinforcements up front, particularly following the serious knee injury sustained by Gabriel Jesus. This injury is expected to sideline the Brazilian for an extended period due to a suspected anterior cruciate ligament issue.

The North London club is exploring various options to bolster their attacking line, with Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams and RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko also on their radar. However, both targets present their own challenges. Williams has a hefty £50 million release clause and is reportedly seeking £300,000-a-week to leave Bilbao, while Sesko’s mid-season availability remains uncertain.

Duran, who previously caught Arsenal’s eye with a rejected £46 million bid in November, recently signed a new contract with Villa, extending his stay until 2030. Despite this, the transfer chatter surrounding the young striker continues to swirl.

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Chelsea Set Price for Nkunku as Bayern Munich Circle

In other transfer news, Chelsea have reportedly set a price tag of around £65 million for forward Christopher Nkunku amid interest from Bayern Munich. The German giants are keen to secure the services of the French international, prompting discussions between the two clubs.

The Athletic has revealed that Bayern have initiated talks with Chelsea, who are also exploring the possibility of acquiring 19-year-old forward Mathys Tel from the Bundesliga side. These negotiations are being treated as separate deals.

Chelsea are willing to part ways with Nkunku during this transfer window but are adamant about not letting him go for a bargain. The club is seeking the full fee upfront, rather than a deal that includes add-ons. Chelsea had previously paid RB Leipzig over €60 million (£50 million) for Nkunku, who still has more than four years remaining on his contract.

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Arsenal Poised to Secure Zubimendi from Real Sociedad

In a move that has been anticipated for some time, Arsenal appear set to finally land their long-term target, Martin Zubimendi, from Real Sociedad. The midfielder was close to joining Liverpool last summer, but it now seems he will be heading to the Emirates at the end of the season.

The Daily Mail reports that Arsenal have made significant progress in negotiations, with sources indicating that a deal is virtually complete. Despite the Gunners’ pressing need for attacking reinforcements due to injuries to key players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, the club has prioritized securing Zubimendi’s signature.

While Arsenal would prefer the midfielder to join immediately, Real Sociedad have insisted that he remains with them until the end of the current campaign.

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Eintracht Frankfurt Eye Arsenal’s Ayden Heaven

Meanwhile, Arsenal’s young centre-back Ayden Heaven is attracting interest from Eintracht Frankfurt, as he has yet to sign professional terms with the Gunners. The 18-year-old’s scholarship contract is set to expire this summer, which could open the door for a move abroad.

Heaven, who has come through the ranks alongside talents like Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly, made his debut for Arsenal earlier this season in the Carabao Cup against Preston. With Frankfurt now expressing interest, the Gunners are keen to retain the promising defender, who would command compensation should he decide to join another club once his scholarship terms expire.

As the January transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on how these situations unfold, with clubs keen to strengthen their squads for the second half of the season.