One Aston Villa outsider could see his future at the club change as Monchi has a decision to make on Jhon Duran.
While it’s been a strong start to the summer transfer window for Aston Villa, Monchi’s work is far from over.
The Spaniard has sanctioned nine deals so far which has seen four players depart and five arrive with squad changes expected next season.
Unai Emery’s side is expected to grow even stronger with the arrivals of Jaden Philogene and Amadou Onana poised to happen this week. However, the boss also has one key decision to make with a thought to next term.
Cameron Archer now backed to stay at Aston Villa with Jhon Duran future in doubt
One player that Emery must make a bold call on is Jhon Duran, who looks likely to leave Villa this summer.
The Colombian has flirted with the idea of an exit, making it clear that he wanted to join Chelsea earlier in the window.
Now that Chelsea are no longer interested in Duran, there could be another move to the capital on the cards, as West Ham submitted a bid for the Villa striker last week.
Duran’s exit will be a problem for Villa if a suitable replacement is not identified, which The Athletic journalist Jacob Tanswell believes could impact Cameron Archer’s future.
Speaking on the 1874 podcast, Tanswell explained that he believes Villa might be smart to keep hold of Archer this summer, following his return from Sheffield United.
“I think it could be quite a good safety blanket in case Duran does go and another striker doesn’t come in.
“Worst-case scenario, at least they do have someone until January. They can’t just sell Duran and Archer with no replacement.”
Archer staying at Villa would be a shock to many
Archer was sold to Sheffield United last summer for £18m after impressing during the 2022/23 campaign in the Championship with Middlesbrough.
The Bodymoor Heath graduate netted four goals last term for the Blades however, he returned to Villa due to a relegation clause in his contract, as Sheffield United finished bottom of the table.
Now, Villa are in an advantageous position with the 22-year-old, as Monchi can re-sell the forward for profit or alternatively, Emery can have him at his disposal for the upcoming season.
Tanswell raises a good point about Duran’s future possibly swaying the club’s outlook on Archer, who has always looked likely to leave before deadline day.
If the Colombia international is to exit, Villa will have to find a replacement capable of covering his absence, with the 20-year-old being a reliable number two to Ollie Watkins last season.
It would be a shock to see Archer in claret and blue next term, with the situation regarding Duran a fascinating saga to keep track of this summer.
