Chelsea update given on £42M signing or striker

CHELSEA are ready to end negotiations over a deal for Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran, it is claimed.

The centre-forward scored a modest eight goals in 37 appearances in all competitions last season and it is believed the Blues see the 20-year-old as a potential answer to their striker problems.

Duran is thought to be happy at Villa Park but would be eager to move to Stamford Bridge if they push through with their interest. It is thought the striker believes he would work well with Maresca and suits the club’s vision.

“Chelsea are ‘preparing’ to walk away from the [Duran] deal, perhaps putting pressure on Villa to reduce their asking price for him,” journalist Simon Phillips wrote on his Substack.

“As of last night, talks had continued yesterday, and I do believe talks will continue again today. There is still every chance this deal gets done, but it will need one side to fold on their stance.

“Villa are not only asking for £40m for Duran, but they are also asking for too much of the fee up front.”

Unai Emery’s recent comments suggest that the Blues are right to target the striker despite him having a reported £42m price tag. Speaking after Duran bagged a brace against Liverpool, the former Arsenal manager said: “He is very young – 20 years old.

“His potential, it is impossible to predict how far he is going to get. I believe in him.

“It is different football in Colombia. Tactically, the football is very different in the Premier League.

“We are working with him a lot. I know he is going to score, get chances and use his power.

“His potential is clear, but we need to manage him as a young person. But today I am very happy with how he helped us because this is the consequence – we drew.”

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