Arsenal Eye Jhon Duran Loan as £65m Deal Stalls, Striker Hunt Intensifies

Arsenal’s pursuit of a new striker continues to dominate headlines this summer, with the Gunners being linked to high-profile names such as Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko, and even Victor Osimhen. The need for a reliable goal-scorer is no secret, and while some targets are proving difficult to secure, the club may be shifting focus toward a more realistic short-term solution.

Last summer, Arsenal’s loan move for Raheem Sterling—who returned to Chelsea after making just seven Premier League starts—left fans disappointed. But this time, a similar short-term option could excite supporters more.

One name gaining traction is Jhon Duran. Arsenal showed strong interest in the 21-year-old during the January window while he was still at Aston Villa, even prioritizing him over then-teammate Ollie Watkins, whose proposed transfer was rejected.

Duran eventually secured a £65 million move to Saudi club Al Nassr, where he has impressed with 12 goals in 18 appearances. Despite his on-field success, reports from Saudi outlet Arriyadiyah suggest he may be unsettled and could be open to a move away.

With Arsenal yet to make any signings this summer while their Premier League rivals are already active in the market, manager Mikel Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta are under pressure to strengthen the squad. A loan deal for Duran, although not a permanent fix, could offer a more proven and immediate option compared to less experienced targets like Sesko and Gyokeres.