Chelsea have reportedly rekindled their interest in Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran, holding discussions with his agent in recent days, according to Simon Phillips.
The Blues appear to be exploring a potential bid to rival West Ham, who had an ambitious £57 million offer for the Colombian forward rejected. While Phillips notes Chelsea were close to signing Duran during the summer transfer window, he also suggests that a higher bid than West Ham’s could prove challenging for the London club.
Duran’s Impressive Form and Suitability for Chelsea
Despite not being a regular starter under Unai Emery, Duran has made a significant impact during his time at Villa Park, displaying the qualities of a player capable of thriving at a top-tier club. Chelsea’s interest in him could signal their intent to address ongoing issues in their forward line.
The Blues have invested time and effort in developing young Senegalese striker Nicolas Jackson, with flashes of promise visible in his performances. However, his inconsistency and frequent missed opportunities have prompted questions about whether it’s time for Chelsea to pursue a more reliable option.
Duran could fit the bill perfectly, offering a potent mix of skill, physicality, and a goal-scoring edge. Meanwhile, Phillips has also linked Chelsea with a move for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, another promising talent worth monitoring.
Chelsea’s January Plans: A Strategic Shift in Attack
Bringing in Duran or Delap would demonstrate Chelsea’s commitment to bolstering their attacking options, ensuring Enzo Maresca has the tools needed to strengthen the team’s goal-scoring capabilities. Both players possess significant potential to grow, making them intriguing options for the Blues as the January transfer window progresses.
Aston Villa’s Dilemma
From Aston Villa’s perspective, the situation around Duran will undoubtedly raise questions about their strategy. With the 21-year-old impressing despite limited minutes, Emery might need to provide him with more playing time to both retain his services and put the swirling transfer rumors to rest.
Selling Duran now could be seen as a missed opportunity for Villa, as his value and contributions might rise with a more prominent role. On the other hand, a substantial bid could tempt the club to part ways with a player who has already attracted significant interest.
As Chelsea look to finalize their plans before the January transfer window closes, the pursuit of Duran, along with the potential addition of Delap, promises an intriguing end to the month. For now, Villa fans and neutrals alike will wait to see if Emery opts to lean on Duran more heavily to solidify his place at the club or if the talented striker could be on the move to Stamford Bridge.