Chelsea have secured a £42m deal for forward Jhon Duran after Benjamin Sesko rejected interest from the Premier League. The Blues were in search of a striker to provide competition for Nicolas Jackson and saw Duran as a leading target.
Duran, who is only 20 years old, showed promise last season with Aston Villa, scoring five goals in limited playing time. However, he struggled to secure a regular starting role at the club. Villa, who are in need of funds this summer, are open to the sale of Duran and reports suggest that an agreement between Chelsea and Aston Villa is close, with a fee of £42m agreed upon.
Duran’s agent has hinted that the striker is eager for more playing opportunities and a move to Chelsea could fulfill this desire. As Chelsea continue their pursuit of a striker, the addition of Duran signals progress in their transfer dealings. With competition for places in the squad heating up, the addition of Duran could provide the attacking spark that Chelsea are looking for in the upcoming season.