Transfer Centre

Agent of 20-year-old striker confirms Chelsea interest

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 22 May 2024

Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran's agent confirms that Chelsea are interested in signing his client during this summer's transfer window.

The agent of Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran has confirmed that Chelsea are interested in signing his client during this summer's transfer window.

The 20-year-old's future is currently the subject of speculation, with Chelsea said to be keen on bringing him to Stamford Bridge for the 2024-25 campaign.

Duran has scored eight times in 37 appearances for Villa this season, including five goals in 23 Premier League outings, famously hitting a brace against Liverpool in the team's penultimate match of the campaign.

There had been suggestions that Chelsea's decision to sack Mauricio Pochettino could lead to them dropping their interest in the striker.

However, Jonathan Herrera, who represents the youngster, has revealed that Pochettino's departure has not changed the London club's desire to sign his client.

Aston Villa's Jhon Duran celebrates scoring their third goal on May 13, 2024 © Reuters

Duran's agent confirms interest from Chelsea

"He is a player who has a contract with Aston Villa, he ended up doing very well and the coach is counting on him," Herrera told El VBar Caracol.

"It is a club that, having got into the Champions League is a great opportunity, but we know he wants to play, he wants to go out and play, we are going to see. Now the market is opening up, the club is looking at some options and so are we.

"The interest has always been there. The fact that Pochettino continues or leaves the club [shouldn't affect], the one who want him in the end is the club.

"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."

Duran, who has scored once in eight caps for Colombia, made the move to Villa from Chicago Fire in January 2023, and he has scored eight times in 49 games for his current side.

Chelsea's Cole Palmer celebrates scoring their fifth goal on April 15, 2024 © Reuters

How did Chelsea's current forwards perform this season?

Cole Palmer had an outstanding 2023-24 campaign, scoring 25 goals and registering 15 assists in 45 appearances in all competitions.

Nicolas Jackson was next in the top goalscorer list, netting 17 times in 44 appearances, in addition to contributing six assists, while Raheem Sterling had 10 goals and eight assists in 43 appearances.

Noni Madueke managed eight goals and three assists in 34 outings, while Mykhaylo Mudryk posted seven goals and two assists in his 46 appearances in 2023-24.

Christopher Nkunku had an injury-hit campaign and only managed three goals in 14 appearances, so it would not be a surprise to see a new centre-forward arrive this summer.

Chelsea are in need of an experienced striker, though, and it would be somewhat of a risk to bring in Duran, as it appears that he is looking for regular starts at this stage of his career.