GeneralSport

Chelsea agree £42m deal for Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran

Chelsea have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Jhon Duran from Premier League rivals Aston Villa for £42 million.

The 20-year-old striker is said to be pushing for the move to Stamford Bridge, with contract talks already underway.

According to Colombian outlet En La Jugada RCN, the Blues previously targeted Duran in January but opted against a winter transfer.

Duran, who joined Villa from MLS side Chicago Fire 18 months ago, has scored eight goals in 49 appearances for the club.

Chelsea agree £42m deal for Aston Villa's Jhon Duran
Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran – Getty image

Villa’s fourth-place Premier League finish and Champions League qualification have not masked their need to sell players, as admitted by manager Unai Emery.

With Ollie Watkins as the first-choice striker, Duran’s opportunities have been limited.

Meanwhile, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, dealing with injuries to key forwards like Christopher Nkunku, reportedly views Duran as a valuable addition to his squad, which currently relies heavily on Nicolas Jackson.