Jhon Duran: Chelsea open talks after new striker twist
Chelsea are plotting a late move to sign Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran if their other striker deals collapse, sources have told Football Insider.
Duran is back on the Blues' radar after talks took place between the two clubs earlier this summer after his proposed move to West Ham broke down.
Football Insider revealed in June that Chelsea had reached an "agreement in principle" with the 20-year-old and had entered advanced talks with Villa.
A deal worth £40million had been on the cards, but the clubs were unable to reach an agreement.
Sources at Aston Villa say Duran could still leave the club before Friday night's 10pm cut-off if Unai Emery is able to land a new striker.
After qualifying for the Champions League last time out, Villa are keen to bolster their squad and want to land a new attacker to provide backup for Ollie Watkins.
Chelsea plotting move to sign Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran in new twist
Duran has been linked with a move away from Villa Park throughout the summer window, with no shortage of interest in his signature.
Chelsea's interest comes as Enzo Maresca and Todd Boehly want to add an out-and-out number nine to strengthen their attacking potential.
Nicolas Jackson endured a mixed first season at Stamford Bridge, and Duran is viewed as an ideal option as he suits the Blues' transfer model.
The striker also came close to a move to West Ham, as Football Insider revealed he had been offered a "huge" pay rise to join the Hammers, but the move fell through in the final stages.
Chelsea have also been linked with moves to sign Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen in the closing stages of the window, and they are preparing for all possibilities.
Duran has found the net nine times in 51 appearances since moving to Villa from Chicago Fire in January 2023, albeit with limited minutes.
He has already proved his worth under Emery this season as he found the net in the 2-1 win against West Ham - but remains open to a move away.
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