Aston Villa eyeing talented young striker as possible Duran successor

Aston Villa are reportedly showing interest in 18-year-old Greek striker Stefanos Tzimas as a potential long-term replacement for Jhon Duran. The young forward is currently on loan at German club Nurnberg from PAOK Thessaloniki and has impressed with 7 goals and 2 assists in 13 appearances in the 2. Bundesliga this season.

According to reports, several Premier League clubs including Villa, Chelsea and Newcastle are monitoring Tzimas. However, any deal would be complicated as Nurnberg plan to activate their £14.8 million buy option for Tzimas in the summer before immediately selling him on for a profit.

Villa see Tzimas as a possible successor to Duran, who has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain. The Greek youngster’s statistics compare favorably to Duran’s this season:

• Tzimas: 7 league goals, 0.18 goals per shot, 0.32 goal-creating actions per 90 mins
• Duran: 6 league goals, 0.23 goals per shot, 0.18 goal-creating actions per 90 mins

Described as a “monster in the making” by scouts, Tzimas could be an astute budget signing for Villa’s present and future if they can negotiate a deal. Manager Unai Emery would hope to develop the talented teenager’s potential alongside established striker Ollie Watkins.

While any move would have to wait until summer due to Tzimas’ loan arrangement, Villa appear to have identified an exciting young talent as they plan for the future of their forward line. The 18-year-old’s impressive performances in Germany suggest he could be ready to make an impact at Premier League level.