Chelsea could make £40 million Deadline Day signing as Victor Osimhen alternative

Chelsea’s recent defeat to Servette highlights their need for an outright striker.

The Blues travelled to Switzerland to play minnows Servette in the Europa Conference League play-offs.

Despite having a squad worth well over £1 billion, Chelsea suffered a shock 2-1 defeat, and although their 3-2 aggregate win was enough to see them through, Enzo Maresca certainly has a lot of work to do to get his side firing.

With just Nicolas Jackson their only option after Romelu Lukaku sealed a transfer to Napoli, Chelsea need an outright number nine. Victor Osimhen, also of Napoli, remains their top target, but the Nigerian is proving to be one of the most difficult-ever deals to complete.

Also in talks to sign for Al-Ahil, Osimhen’s future is not expected to be decided until the final hour of today.

Chelsea could still sign Jhon Duran

Consequently, according to a recent report from Fichajes, failure to land Osimhen could see the Blues quickly turn their attention back to Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran.

The Colombian is an alternative option should talks for Osimhen fail to progress, and with Villa wanting just £40 million for the striker, would undoubtedly be a cheaper target too.

Duran currrently plays a backup role to Ollie Watkins and would probably welcome a high profile transfer to Chelsea, even if it does mean sacrificing a campaign in the Champions League.

During his first 18 months at Villa Park, Duran, who has four years left on his deal, has scored nine goals in 51 games in all competitions.