Arsenal's Watkins move KO'd as Duran set for stunning move to partner Ronaldo

The big-spending Saudi Pro League is looking to make another major attacking transfer this January and Duran will be the next to join after a breakthrough in talks with Villa.

Villa have reached an agreement to sell Duran for an initial of fee of €77million (£64.5m), with add-ons taking the total package to €90m (£75m).

It's a transfer that will see the 21-year-old Colombian play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, who signed for Al Nassr at the beginning of 2023.

And it is set to KO Arsenal's attempts to sign Ollie Watkins, with the Gunners launching a shock bid earlier on Wednesday.

Villa immediately rejected that offer from their Premier League rivals and will not entertain losing both their strikers, despite the England forward being open to the move.

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Duran will now be the one to depart, having agreed personal terms with Al Nassr on a five-and-a-half year contract.

He is scheduled to undergo a medical in London on Thursday and to sign his contract.

talkSPORT understands Duran will bank €15m (approximately £12.5m) a year - almost £250,000 per week.

Signed by Villa in 2023 from Chicago Fire, Duran impressed enough to attract interest from Chelsea in his first season, but this January had been all about another London club.

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West Ham bid £40million and £57million for the Villa man this month and despite the Hammers being unsuccessful, Saudi dealmakers haven't been put off.

Al Nassr have also been keen on Bayer Leverkusen talent Victor Boniface, but Duran is now set to scupper that move.

Duran has netted 12 goals from 29 appearances this season for Unai Emery's team, but has largely played second fiddle to Watkins.

He was named on the bench on Wednesday night for Villa's 4-2 win against Celtic in the Champions League, with Watkins again preferred up front.

Duran began his career with Colombian outfit Envigado in 2019 before making his move to Chicago Fire.

He scored eight goals in 28 appearances for the MLS side and that was enough to encourage Villa to spend just shy of £18m for Duran in the summer of 2023.

Duran scored just five Premier League goals last season but his efforts attracted the attention of Chelsea and West Ham in the summer.

But he stayed at Villa Park and has enjoyed a productive season with 12 goals, including three in the Champions League.

But now he's set for a new challenge in the Middle East.