Revealed: Chelsea's surprise Premier League transfer target suffers injury

James Shearman

• Updated: 25 Jan 2024 16:26 GMT
• 3 min read

Chelsea transfer target Jhon Duran has suffered an injury, according to Aston Villa manager Unai Emery.

"In the last action against Everton he was injured. For the next few weeks he will not be available," the Spaniard said in his latest press conference.

Villa are preparing to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday night.

Duran emerged as an unlikely target for the Blues earlier this week, despite only scoring two league goals this season.

After all, a striker with such little experience is surely not the man to end the west London club's goalscoring woes.

That being said, Duran could develop into a fine Premier League player in the future.

He has the physicality to suit the English game and his ball striking is impressive for a 20-year-old.

And, he was fairly prolific for Chicago fire in the MLS in 2022, netting eight times in 14 starts.

But, Duran's injury could have scuppered his chances of a move to Mauricio Pochettino's side, with the Colombian potentially not able to pass a medical if the deal reached that stage.

Chelsea must sell in order to buy

Duran joined Villa last January for €17 million and there is no chance that the Midlands club would sell for less than that now.

So, any approach for Duran will likely hinge on the future of Armando Broja, who is available for transfer due to Chelsea’s financial situation.

Fulham, Wolves and West Ham have all so far been reluctant to pay the Blues’ asking price of over €50m.

Although, Chelsea could be willing to lower their valuation of the player as the deadline approaches.