West Ham United are eager to sign Colombian forward Jhon Duran, having already had three bids rejected, according to the Sunday Mirror.
The newspaper also revealed that Duran is interested in moving to the London Stadium and has even rejected an “incredible” and lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia.
Despite the tempting wages offered in the Middle East, which would significantly surpass his current £30,000 per week at Villa Park, Duran prefers a modest wage increase to move to East London for a higher standard of football.
Last season, West Ham didn’t struggle for goals, with only six Premier League teams scoring more than their 60 goals. However, their strikers underperformed.
Michail Antonio scored just six goals, and Danny Ings managed only one in the Premier League. Both players are in their thirties, making significant improvement unlikely.
The young Colombian has shown flashes of brilliance and is eager for more playing time, which he believes he would get at the London Stadium under Julen Lopetegui.
Duran scored five goals in limited minutes under Unai Emery last season, averaging a goal every 92 minutes in the Premier League in 23/24, compared to Antonio’s 285 and Ings’ 390.
West Ham remain very keen on Jhon Duran and are determined to finalize a deal, but Aston Villa has been difficult to negotiate with, reportedly changing their valuation of the Colombian international.
While other targets are being monitored, the club remains hopeful of bringing Duran to the London Stadium this summer.
