Interesting to see more information in the public domain now about the Colombian we all wanted to sign for West Ham in the August transfer window. The now infamous ‘crossed arms’ Hammers’s post caused fury amongst Aston Villa fans – quite rightly they saw this as disloyal.
West Ham fans were equally outraged years ago when Paul Ince was photographed in Manchester United kit whilst still a West Ham player, so we can all understand how Duran’s actions didn’t sit well!
Now a former Aston Villa scout has admitted to footballinsider247.com that Duran’s attitude has been flagged up by other teams who were considering bidding – maybe, just maybe the Hammers inadvertently made the right choice.
Mick Brown, former Villa scout, is quoted as saying that there were concerns (well reported) at Aston Villa that the Colombian is a difficult character to work with and:
“Those concerns at Villa seem to have been brushed under the carpet because he’s had a fantastic season and committed to a big new deal.
And, as far as I’m told, Arsenal have been looking for a new striker and he has been a name on their list. But there are lingering doubts about that attitude which have put them off.”
The football insider report confirms :”Behind-the-scenes issues involving the player in the past raised red flags for the Gunners’ recruitment team.”
So it seems Duran has failed the ‘attitude test’ for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Maybe we saved £40 million and dodged a large attitude-shaped bullet. Some would suggest any amount of unrest would be worth it for 20 goals a season: Certainly Claret and Hugh readers would appear to think so.
Unai Emery seems able to manage his boisterous youngster, but he was known to have wanted a move away from the Midlands team – we’ll see how Villa’s number 9 copes in the medium term being continually played as second filled to Ollie Watkins.
Maybe he’ll start agitating for a move again – Chelsea and West Ham have tried, Arsenal decided to ‘pass’ – who’s next I wonder? Cue the Liverpool rumours.