Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has weighed in on Al Nassr’s decision to sign Jhon Duran from Aston Villa instead of Nigeria’s Victor Boniface.

The Saudi Pro League club had been linked with Bayer Leverkusen’s Boniface but ultimately opted for the 21-year-old Colombian forward.

Duran, who had an impressive start to the season in the Premier League, was reportedly attracting interest from top European clubs, including Barcelona, West Ham, and Arsenal.

However, Al Nassr swooped in to secure his signature, a move that Wenger found surprising given the timing and circumstances.

Duran joined Al Nassr from Aston Villa in a high-profile transfer during the January 2024 window. The Colombian forward signed a long-term contract reportedly worth around €77m, GOAL reports.

The financial terms of Duran’s deal highlight the vast wealth on offer in Saudi football as the striker will earn an annual salary of £16.7 million($21m) at Al-Nassr. Breaking it down further, this equates to approximately £46,000 per day, £1,900 per hour.

Wenger has praised Al Nassr’s ambitions, emphasising the growing appeal of the Saudi Pro League which has made it an attractive destination for emerging talents like Duran.

The former Arsenal manager was surprised with the acquisition of Duran despite the club already in talks to sign Victor Boniface "Duran is a young player. He played at Aston Villa, where he was adored and loved.

"It was a surprise that during the season, from the Premier League, he moved to the Saudi Pro League," Wenger noted. Boniface had been a prime target for Al Nassr, given his exceptional performances for Bayer Leverkusen.

The Nigerian forward has been a standout player in the Bundesliga but his omission in favour of Duran has raised eyebrows among football analysts and fans alike.

The Legendary Arsène Wenger visits AlNassr, and speaks to us 💛🎙️ pic.twitter.com/Ylv3YWPY3r

— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) February 11, 2025

🟡🔵🇨🇴 Jhon Durán with a brace also tonight for Al Nassr… 4 goals in 2 games in Saudi Pro League.

Instant impact for the striker who joined on €85m package deal from Aston Villa. pic.twitter.com/WPqKx4vzH8

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 13, 2025