Chelsea face Real Madrid battle for HUGE target

Jacque Talbot

5 Oct 2024 08:30 BST
3 min read

Real Madrid are "closely monitoring"Aston Villa's Jhon Duran, according to reports.

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Chelsea are one of the forward's biggest admirers. A deal collapsed for the player during the summer transfer window, with the Blues trying to bring the youngster to Stamford Bridge but failing to agree on a price.

FootballInsider has now reported that Los Blancos are also targeting Duran. Their report states that "Chelsea’s recruitment team have been wowed by the 20-year-old Colombia international’s stunning start to the season at Villa."

Duran helped Villa clinch a 1-0 win over Bayern Munich on Wednesday, with his 79th-minute goal being the difference.

Current ETV

Jhon Durán

F (C)

Aston Villa

Jhon Durán

F (C)

Aston Villa

ETV Range

€16.9M - €28.1M

He joined the Midlands club from MLS side Chicago Fire in January 2023 and has developed into one of the most potent attackers in the Premier League.

Duran talks up Bayern

Earlier this week, Duran's uncle expressed his hope that the 20-year-old's next move would be to Real Madrid, and it looks as though he may get his wish if the aforementioned report is correct.

TEAMtalk reported that Unai Emery's side would be reluctant to sell the player in January, but a move is deemed 'not impossible.'

To add fuel to the fire somewhat, Duran spoke up Bayern Munich after Villa's win over them. He told ESPN after the encounter: "I feel happy to be able to score, and even more so against a great team like Bayern Munich, which is the club of my dreams, I am happy to be the player of the match against this team, which was also my dream.

"I think it's all part of the job, being focused, waiting for the opportunity and taking advantage of the moment. I thank the fans that have welcomed me since I arrived, we've had a couple of disagreements, but I think we're on good terms now and I'm happy that they give me that affection and love."