Chelsea lost the race to sign Victor Osimhen from Napoli this summer. However, they will sign a striker on a priority basis next summer. Manager Enzo Maresca wants to add a quality striker in his squad.
Chelsea remain in contact with Jhon Duran over a possible switch from Aston Villa, reports Fabrizio Romano. The Blues’ tried to get him in the recent transfer window, but his mammoth price tag prompted them to leave negotiations. The young star has set the stage on fire this season, scoring four goals in his five league appearances.
The Blues tried to negotiate a player swap with Villa, giving them Gallagher in return of the services of Duran. However, the former Chelsea captain refused.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed Chelsea’s interest in the young lad in his latest YouTube video. He says;
“I can confirm that Chelsea really tried to sign Jhon Duran, Chelsea still like the player, but there is no active talks. Chelsea in June really tried to sign Duran.”
“The deal was quite advanced between the clubs, but Conor Gallagher was part of the deal, and when he rejected to go to Aston Villa, the deal collapsed. Chelsea tried other different ways, but Aston Villa always said £50 million or nothing.”
“They rate and like the player at this moment. Contacts are ongoing, but it’s not something that we can definitely update now.”
Failing to land either Victor Osimhen or Samu Omorodion last summer, the Blues’ will be desperate to get a no.9 next season.
Is Jhon Duran really “special”?
Duran joined Aston Villa in winter last year from Chicago Fire. The Villans paid around £17.75 million for the young lad.
He made his debut against Leicester City featuring as a substitute. His screamer against Crystal Palace showed what he’s made of to the whole world. That goal was awarded Aston Villa’s Goal of the Season.
Last season when the Villans were losing 3-1 against Liverpool, he turned things around scoring a brace securing a point for Unai Emery. This was a massive contribution, as Aston Villa went on to qualify for the Champions league on a fine margin edging past Tottenham in the points table.
The youngster has made a fiery start to this season, netting five goals in just seven appearances. He created a controversy, after making the “hammers” gesture after smashing the winner against West Ham.
The Colombian also helped Villa complete “remontada” win against Everton. He scored a peach of a goal against Young Boys in his first ever Champions league appearance.
This youngster has impressed whenever he’s got the chance. He’s slowly earning the manager’s trust and it won’t be long when he’s starting games.
In October 2020, Durán was included in The Guardian’s “60 of the best young talents in world football” list. If he maintains this consistency, he is tipped to become one of the future greats of football.
Unai Emery praised the young lad’s progress in the top flight and called him “special”. He says;
“He’s evolving and focusing like I want. He’s playing with his impact being very well. Playing like he did on Tuesday in a Carabao Cup in 90 minutes, he played fantastic.”
“It’s my challenge to try to get the best of him, playing as a striker.“
FC Barcelona to cause trouble to Chelsea in their pursuit of Duran?
According to top football journalist, Fabrizio Romano, FC Barcelona are not interested in Jhon Duran.
Last season, it was thought that he would leave as Chelsea and West Ham were deeply interested in signing the youngster. However, he chose to stay at Villa Park.
The Catalan giants are on a hunt to find a long term replacement for Robert Lewandowski for a sustainable future. Duran’s fiery form this season, ignited rumours of Deco making a phone call to the Premier league club about Duran.
Hansi Flick’s Barcelona are flying high currently, even though they lost against Osasuna yesterday. The club are scouting for a striker for their future, but Duran isn’t among them right now.
Romano rebuffed these rumours speaking to GiveMeSport. He says;
“Barca are not actively working on a deal for Jhon Duran now, absolutely.”
“All the rest is speculation. We will see in summer 2025 but mentioning this story now it’s completely not true in the sense that Barca are not having contacts for this deal.”
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