Chelsea target downplays transfer rumours but admits Stamford Bridge 'dream'

Cameron Smith

• Updated: 16 Jan 2024 17:27 GMT
• 3 min read

Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran has admitted that playing for AC Milan or Chelsea would be a “dream” following transfer links with both clubs.

The 20-year-old joined Villa from MLS side Chicago Fire in January 2023, but has mostly been used as a back-up to Ollie Watkins over the past year.

Duran has scored four goals for Unai Emery’s side since joining, however the Colombian has never started a Premier League game.

The Envigado academy graduate has now been linked with a surprise move away from Villa Park, with Di Marzio’s Nathan Gissing reporting that Duran has been identified as a possible short-term solution for Chelsea.

Nicolas Jackson is currently representing Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations, Christopher Nkunku has suffered another injury set-back and Victor Osimhen is extremely unlikely to move to Stamford Bridge until this summer at the earliest.

As a result, Armando Broja is the only senior striker currently available to Mauricio Pochettino, with Brazilian teenager Deivid Washington his back-up.

Duran has therefore reportedly been sounded out as a possible short-term fix.

Jhon Duran plays down Chelsea links

Despite reported interest from Pochettino’s side, Duran has played down rumours of a January switch to Stamford Bridge.

He told Win Sports TV (as per AVFC Faithful): “I have my head in Aston Villa. I am not aware of interests in AC Milan or Chelsea.

“They are giant clubs and it would be a pleasure, but I have no knowledge of anything. As a child you dream of playing there.”

Duran scored eight goals and provided six assists in just 28 games for Chicago Fire, which prompted Villa to spend €16.6 million to sign him.

Emery’s side beat Benfica, Manchester United and Chelsea to Duran’s signature when they landed him in 2023, with the Blues seemingly still keen on signing him despite his early struggles in England.