"Chelsea are quite serious at the moment" - Journalist provides update on Blues' pursuit of PL attacker
Journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that Chelsea are yet to agree a deal with Aston Villa for Jhon Duran. However, the Blues are serious in their pursuit and see the striker as the ideal signing for their squad.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jacobs stated that the Blues are still not interested in paying the £40 million fee reported by the media. He revealed that they are still looking to get the fee closer to their valuation of £25 million. He said:
"So my understanding is that nothing is agreed yet, despite some suggestions that a £40 million package was already verbally in place. That's not my understanding. Chelsea are negotiating and perhaps hoping for a lower fee than that number, regardless of Villa's valuation."
"And in January, the ballpark was more around the £25 million mark. So we wait and see what the final amount is if things progress. But Chelsea are quite serious at the moment about Duran."
Duran signed a 5-year deal at Aston Villa last summer but is reportedly looking to move to Stamford Bridge this summer.
Chelsea target told to stay at Aston Villa by former player
Ron Vlaar has urged Jhon Duran to stay at Aston Villa and not make the move to Chelsea. The former Villa star believes that the striker will develop more at Villa Park and told Shropshire Star:
"When he comes on he always tries to make a difference. The Champions League is something he must want to play in. Villa have a big squad and a lot of players have played a role through the season. It would be nice for them to continue together and make some improvements to the team to make it even better – and keep going."
He added:
"Duran has scored important goals throughout the season – now he has two in short notice. He is still only 20, so he is still a very young player. To be behind Ollie Watkins at that age is nothing to be ashamed of. Wherever he is he makes players better and improves them. I don't think many players will want to leave Aston Villa while he is here."
Duran scored 8 goals in all competitions for Aston Villa in the 2023-24 season.