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Louis SealeyPublished Jun 27, 2024, 12:41pm|Updated Jun 27, 2024, 12:42pm
Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran has addressed speculation linking him with a big-money move to Chelsea this summer.
Chelsea have been strongly linked with a move for the 20-year-old as they look to continue their stunning transfer spree and sign even more new players for new boss Enzo Maresca.
The Blues struggled for goals under former manager Mauricio Pochettino last season, with Nicolas Jackson enduring a mixed first year at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea and their London rivals Arsenal expressed interest in signing Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig but the Slovenia international has decided to stay put, signing a contract extension with the Bundesliga club.
As a result, Chelsea have revived their interest in Duran, who they targeted in January, despite the fact the Colombia international has largely underwhelmed at Villa Park.
Playing back-up to England striker Ollie Watkins, Duran has scored just eight goals in 37 appearances for Aston Villa since joining from MLS side Chicago Fire in January 2023.
That has not stopped Chelsea from targeting Duran, with reports from earlier in the month even claiming they had reached a £42m agreement with Villa.
Asked about speculation he could join Chelsea this summer, Duran Gol Caracol while on international duty at Copa America: ‘The options of the other teams, I don’t know, I am not aware now.
‘I’m focused on the national team, at the Copa America, wanting to add minutes, supporting the team a lot. For those topics of a possible move, I already have other people who take care of that.’
Chelsea, who finished sixth in the Premier League last season after a late surge under Pochettino, have made two signings so far this summer, bringing in Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham and Estevao Willian from Palmeiras.
Highly-rated defender Adarabioyo has signed a four-year deal at Stamford Bridge after his contract with Fulham expired.
‘Chelsea is a huge club and this is a full-circle moment for me. I was born three miles away from Stamford Bridge and made my professional debut there,’ he said after joining the Blues.
‘I’m very excited and looking forward to helping push the club in the direction we want to go.’
Chelsea are also being linked with moves for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak and Nottingham Forest defender Murillo as they prepare for the 2024-25 campaign.
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