According to reports in Colombia, Chelsea has finalized a £42 million deal to acquire Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran.
Chelsea has been actively seeking an additional center-forward to provide competition for Nicolas Jackson, who amassed 17 goals this season but faced criticism for his inconsistency.
Duran arrived at Villa in an £18 million deal from MLS side Chicago Fire 17 months ago but has struggled to secure regular playing time. Throughout this season, Duran started just three Premier League games, with manager Unai Emery favoring Ollie Watkins as the first-choice striker alongside Leon Bailey and Moussa Diaby in attack.
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Chelsea had previously shown interest in signing Duran during the January transfer window, and as per Colombia’s Guillermo Arango, they have now reached an agreement with Villa over a £42 million transfer fee. Negotiations are reportedly underway between Chelsea and Duran regarding his contract.
Duran’s agent, Jonathan Herrera, hinted at his client’s dissatisfaction with his limited playing time at Villa, emphasizing Duran’s desire for regular game time. Regarding Chelsea’s interest, Herrera stated that Mauricio Pochettino’s potential departure from the club would not affect their transfer plans, affirming that Chelsea’s interest in Duran has persisted regardless of managerial changes.
Meanwhile, Villa is close to selling Douglas Luiz to Juventus for a €20 million (£16.8m) transfer fee, with United States midfielder Weston McKennie and 20-year-old winger Samuel Iling-Junior possibly included in the deal.