Chelsea suffer setback in Duran transfer

Suraj Radia

• 16 Jun 2024 11:30 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea are expecting to make significant changes to their front line this summer but their plans could be scuppered by transfer movements elsewhere.

The Blues are looking for an alternative option to Nicolas Jackson up front, with the 22-year-old’s consistency still up for debate despite netting an impressive 14 goals in his debut season.

Chelsea had initially made Victor Osimhen their top target this summer but Napoli’s asking price of more than €100 million has so far made the deal a non-starter despite the Nigerian being keen on the move.

READ MORE: Osimhen ‘CONVINCED’ he will get dream Premier League transfer

After also seeing Benjamin Sesko opt to extend his contract with Leipzig, Chelsea have turned their attention to Jhon Duran, with Aston Villa reportedly giving Enzo Maresca’s side permission to speak to the 20-year-old.

However, Villa’s asking price of around €50m could prove to be a stumbling block, with Fabrizio Romano stating that a deal will only happen if players are included as makeweights in any transfer.

Consequently, Chelsea may have to sell before they can fund any move for Duran but one of their top candidates to be sold may now see his most likely destination ruled out, leaving the Premier League side in a difficult position.

Reports in Italy had suggested that Milan were interested in signing Armando Broja this summer, with the Serie A giants watching the 22-year-old play for Albania against Italy.

Broja spent the second half of last season on loan at Fulham however he failed to score in eight appearances and Chelsea are now looking to cash in on their academy graduate.

READ MORE: Latest Chelsea transfer news

Milan had been touted as a frontrunner for his signature but it now appears the Italian side will instead extend the contract of Luka Jovic after signing a one-year deal with the club for last season.

Compared

Armando Broja

F (CRL)

Chelsea

Armando Broja

F (CRL)

Chelsea

VS

Luka Jović

F (CRL)

Milan

Luka Jović

F (CRL)

Milan

2023/2024

Season Statistics

2023/2024

26	Appearances	30
2	Goals	9
1	Assists	1
827	Minutes Played	1243
18	Shots Total	35

Paulo Fonseca’s side are still in the market for another striker, with Joshua Zirkzee said to be top of their list, and they could perhaps return with a move for Broja if a transfer for the Bologna man fails to materialise.

However, with Milan said to only be seeking a loan-to-buy deal for Broja, Chelsea will likely have to look elsewhere if they wish to raise funds for Duran, or perhaps see if Villa would entertain a swap deal for the Albanian after Euro 2024.

Read more about: Premier League, Aston Villa, Bologna, Chelsea, Fulham, Milan, Napoli, Armando Broja, Jhon Duran, Joshua Zirkzee, Luka Jović, Nicolas Jackson, Victor Osimhen