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Jhon Duran Chelsea transfer will only happen on one condition, reveals Fabrizio Romano
Chelsea will only be able to sign Jhon Duran from Aston Villa if a player is involved with the transfer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Duran is thought to be a top target of Chelsea’s to strengthen up front but the 20-year-old is believed to be valued at around the €50 million mark, which would make a deal difficult for the Blues due to profit and sustainability rules.
However, speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed that ‘at least one player’ needs to be included for the deal to be possible, although he did not specify who.
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“I don’t see this deal happening just for money as of now,” Romano said. “They need to include a player in this deal. This is the feeling of the parties.
“Negotiations are ongoing and Duran wants Chelsea but players need to be included as part of the deal – at least one player.”
Aston Villa had approached Chelsea last month over a move for Conor Gallagher but Romano confirmed that his inclusion would be unlikely, with the England international looking to focus solely on his at EURO 2024.
Chelsea land on Duran after striker chase
Chelsea had initially considered Victor Osimhen as their striking target for the summer but Napoli’s asking price of around €100m proved to make any deal a non-starter.
Benjamin Sesko was also a player on Chelsea’s shortlist, however the 21-year-old has since penned a new deal at RB Leipzig, ending any chances of him leaving the club this summer.
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Chelsea have held a long-standing interest in Duran and the Colombian is keen on the move, having made just three Premier League starts last season.
Villa would likely ask for Gallagher in any transfer for Duran, with the 24-year-old entering the final 12 months of his contract and Chelsea seemingly preferring to cash in on the midfielder instead of renewing his deal.
However, Gallagher has so far been determined to fight for future at Chelsea and would not consider any deal until later into the summer, indicating that a transfer for Duran may drag on until after the upcoming European Championships.