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Chelsea have renewed their interest in Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran after it emerged that Benjamin Sesko had decided to stay on at RB Leipzig beyond the summer transfer window.
The Blues are determined to bring in support and competition for Nicolas Jackson next season and have drawn up a shortlist of attacking targets which had featured Sesko right at the top.
Sesko scored 14 goals in 31 Bundesliga games for RB Leipzig last season and is considered one of the most promising young forwards European football, with Arsenal and Manchester United also expressing an interest in the Slovenia international.
But the sought-after 21-year-old has decided put pen to paper on a new deal with RB Leipzig and Chelsea have been forced to consider alternatives up front, which has seen Duran return to the fore as a possible solution at Stamford Bridge.
Duran had been heavily linked with the Blues in January and The Telegraph suggest that the west London giants could look to test Villa’s resolve for the Colombian, who has been playing second fiddle to Ollie Watkins.
It’s claimed Duran has been bumped up Chelsea’s shortlist of targets as a direct result of Sesko’s decision on his future and the 20-year-old is deemed to be ‘attainable’ this summer.
The report adds that Chelsea’s pursuit of Duran could be benefitted by the good relationship they have with Villa. The youngster would also be keen to push through a proposed switch to join up with Enzo Maresca’s side.
Dominic Solanke could enter the picture as an option for Chelsea, though Bournemouth are demanding that their star man’s £65million release clause is paid in full which could put potential suitors off a deal.
Duran joined Villa from Chicago Fire in January 2023 and scored five Premier League goals in his first full season for Unai Emery’s side, helping the club secure Champions League qualification.
The attacker, capped nine times by the Colombia national team, is tied into a deal at Villa Park until 2028.
Duran made no secret of his desire to play for a club of Chelsea’s stature when asked about the rumours linking him with a switch to Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window.
‘I remain focussed on Aston Villa. I am not aware of interest from AC Milan or Chelsea,’ he told Colombian outlet Win Sports TV.
‘They are giant clubs, and it would be a pleasure but I have no knowledge of anything.’
Duran’s agent, Jonathan Herrera, meanwhile, talked up a move to west London before Mauricio Pochettino left the club last month.
The interest has always been there. The fact that Pochettino continues or leaves the club [shouldn’t affect that]. The one who wants him in the end is the club,’ Herrara said.
‘He is a player that if they change coach or not, we will see what happens, but there has always been interest. Let’s see how we can handle it and make sure Aston Villa are ready.’
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