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Chelsea have cooled their interest in Jhon Duran and are hesitant to proceed with a deal for the Aston Villa forward.
Signing a new striker to compliment Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku represents a priority for the Blues this summer.
Duran emerged as a shock target earlier this month with Villa demanding a fee in the region of £40 million.
Chelsea were understood to be making background checks on the Colombia international who had earned a reputation as being something of a maverick character.
While Villa have been more than content with Duran’s application during the course of his first and only season at the club, Chelsea, according to the Telegraph, hold reservations.
The Blues are also said to have been put off by 20-year-old’s wage demands and the west London club have already shown this summer they will not be held to ransom.
Chelsea pulled out of the race to sign Bayern Munich-bound Michael Olise earlier this week on account of the personal terms the France youth international had been demanding.
Having invested heavily in young talent over the course of Todd Boehly’s ownership, Chelsea would rather reward their existing talent, rather than propel new signings immediately to the top of their wage bill.
With plans to sign Duran on ice, Chelsea are now exploring alternative options and are investigate a potential move for Hoffenheim striker Maximilian Beier.
Chelsea, meanwhile have agreed a deal worth £19m with Villa to sign teenager Omari Kellyman, with Ian Maatsen on the brink of moving in the opposite direction.
Kellyman will join Chelsea’s first-team squad for pre-season, but is likely to be loaned out next term to give him regular first team football.
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