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Aston Villa director Monchi has explained it was difficult for the club to reject an offer for Jhon Durán.

The Villans official has been speaking to the Spanish media and talked about the striker. AS have relayed his comments.

In the summer, Aston Villa turned down multiple bids for the 20-year-old as they were keen on retaining him.

The Colombia international started this season on a bright note and Unai Emery’s side rewarded him with a new contract [lasting until 2030] in October. Despite this, he’s decided to leave Villa Park and make a switch to Al-Nassr in the winter market.

Two days ago, L’Equipe said the Middle East club’s offer is around €70m plus bonuses. The latest claims from England are reporting the fixed fee is around €77m. Monchi now states the overall fee for Durán could rise close to €85m.

Monchi also pointed out the obvious, that a move to Saudi Arabia will see the frontman significantly improve his salary.

“It is an important operation for a player with tremendous potential. But those types of offers, for the club and the player, are difficult to reject. Between fixed and variables it will be close to €85m,” he said.

“There are a few small flaws left and for the player it is an incredible economic leap. You are not only a sports manager, but also an economic manager of a club. Those offers are difficult to refuse, because it quintuples your salary.”

The director has already revealed Aston Villa will use part of the fee from Durán’s sale to try and sign Chelsea’s João Félix. Monchi stated Emery also like Paris Saint-Germain’s Marco Asensio.