Aston Villa star Jhon Duran responds to queries about his future amid transfer links to Chelsea
Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran has rebuffed claims that he was pushing for a move to Chelsea. The Colombia international said he was focused on the ongoing Copa America and was not aware of any potential transfer.
Speaking in an interview with South American outlet Gol Caracol (via HITC), Duran claimed he was unfamiliar with any club's interest in signing him this summer. Stressing that he was focused on the national team, he said:
“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 América, wanting to add minutes, supporting the team a lot and for those topics of possible signing I already have other people who take care of that.”
Aston Villa have reportedly put a £40 million price tag on the 20-year-old striker. Duran is currently with Colombia at the Copa America. He spent his side's only match of the tournament so far, against Paraguay, on the bench. Colombia won the game 2-1.
Chelsea target told to stay at Aston Villa by Don Goodman
Former Premier League star Don Goodman urged Jhon Duran to stay put at Aston Villa. He believes that the youngster will not be able to fulfil his potential at Stamford Bridge.
He told 777 Score:
"Unai Emery strikes me as a very strong character, so if he doesn't want him to leave the football club he won't be going anywhere. He's a player who is young and we have seen the raw potential he has. The most difficult thing for youngsters is finding consistency, but he certainly has all the tools to be a very, very top striker in the Premier League. He's physical and knows where the net is."
He added:
"What separates the best strikers is the decision-making process and the decisions they make in the final third and the ones that make the right choices more often than not. They know when to pass, when to run, when to shoot, when to dribble and when to cross."
Chelsea have reportedly pulled out of a potential move for Duran this summer. They were previously rumored to have agreed on a deal with Aston Villa.