Arsenal were given a tough task when they wanted to sign Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran, and Duran declared that he was “very happy” to play at his current club under the management of Unai Emery.

Arsenal has been linked with many top strikers lately. It has been suggested that they believe a world-class striker is between them and winning the Premier League.

The list also includes Villa man Duran, who adds great value to his team despite not yet starting at Villa Park.

The striker admitted he raised issues at the club during his bid to leave in the summer but has now detailed how happy he is to be playing under manager Emery.

“Sometimes there are (moments of) love and hate! But no, I’m very grateful to him, I’m very grateful to him and the coaching staff. “We had a lot of problems, but I think they are normal,” he said. Duran told Sky Sports.

“The truth is, I am very happy to be here with him, to share the same space with him, to learn from his teachings. He always wants to teach me. Sometimes it’s protective.

“Sometimes it happens and sparks fly! So we fight all the time! But I think this is normal for a young man of my age and someone like him who already knows a lot and has achieved a lot.

“The truth is, I’m very, very grateful to be in this field and the fact that he’s as great a person as he is in football. I’m learning more from him every day and I’m very happy to have him here.”

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Arsenal told to pursue Duran

Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira, who has recently been linked with Duran, has told the club to go after him.

Explaining your abilities, the former Gunner said: “He is the right player for Arsenal.”

Bit’s price tag is reported to be £75 million and it looks like it will be difficult for Arsenal to land him as Duran is happy at Villa.

Unless, of course, the “struggle,” as he describes it, reaches a level where Emery no longer wants him around; but if this did not happen in the summer, it does not seem possible on the field as Duran now seems to be maturing and producing great performances.

Arsenal summary: Big names slip away

Arsenal has also been linked with the best striker Viktor Gyokeres recently. But it was reported Barcelona ready to offer Vitor Roque as part of a deal to sign him.

Sporting CP centre-back Ousmane Diomande was also on Arsenal’s radar but it is now believed new Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim wants to take him to Old Trafford.

Arsenal may also lose goalkeeper Karl Hein to their rivals, as the goalkeeper, whose contract expires soon, will be on Tottenham’s radar with a shocking move.

Meanwhile, Leandro Trossard could reportedly be replaced by Mohammed Kudus, with the West Ham man on the radar amid reports that his winger could be subject to attempts from the Saudi Pro League.

Standing in hot form

Ahead of Aston Villa’s match against Tottenham on Sunday, Duran has scored eight goals this season despite starting just three matches.

Given his ability to score goals in every situation he faces, the time will surely come for him to become a more consistent starter.

Duran’s stats so far this season