Transfer Centre

Chelsea 'discuss possible bid for Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 15 January 2024

Chelsea 'discuss possible bid for Villa forward Duran'

Chelsea are reportedly contemplating whether to make a surprise approach for Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran before the end of the month.

Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran has reportedly emerged as a potential January transfer target for Chelsea.

The 20-year-old is closing in on a year spent at the West Midlands outfit having arrived from Chicago Fire at the start of 2023.

While the Colombian was always going to be regarded as one for the future and backup to Ollie Watkins, Duran has allegedly been left frustrated with the amount of opportunities that he has received from Unai Emery.

Although seven starts have been made in all competitions, each of Duran's 26 appearances in the Premier League have come from the substitutes' bench.

As a result, there have been suggestions that the attacker could be allowed to depart Villa Park before the end of the month, most likely on loan.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery at half time on November 30, 2023 © Reuters

Italian giants AC Milan have been credited as admirers of Duran and may move for the youngster if they are able to facilitate a deal, with the amount of non-European players in their squad an obstacle that they will need to overcome.

However, according to journalist Nathan Gissing, who was writing on X, Chelsea are a possible surprise option for Duran.

Gissing claims that 'internal discussions' have been held regarding a bid of some sort being made for Duran over the coming weeks.

Villa allegedly have little interest in parting ways with Duran unless they are able to find a suitable replacement, something that may not prove easy if only loan proposals arrive.

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino reacts on December 16, 2023 © Reuters

The type of any Chelsea bid is not specified, yet it would not come as a huge surprise if Chelsea acquired the services of another frontman before the end of the month.

Each of Nicolas Jackson - who is currently away with Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations - and Armando Broja have been inconsistent in front of goal during 2023-24.

Christopher Nkunku is also unproven in the Premier League and has only been available for selection for a number of weeks due to separate knee and hip injuries.

Chelsea must also meet FFP regulations, their current position on that subject expected to be revealed on Monday when the Premier League reveal if any teams have breached their Profit and Sustainability Rules.