Sesko changes everything! Chelsea told Duran keen but Maresca considers Lukaku repeat

Robin Bairner

12 Jun 2024 11:50 BST
4 min read

Jhon Duran, Aston Villa, Chelsea, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Chelsea are assessing their offensive options in the transfer market after being rejected by Benjamin Sesko, with numerous possibilities on the table, including Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran.

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Sesko’s bombshell dropped on Tuesday, with the Slovenia international forward signing a contract extension with RB Leipzig hours later.

Fabrizio Romano has explained Duran has made Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea his “priority” but warned there is still significant work to be completed before a deal is done.

STATS

Jhon Durán

F (CRL)

Aston Villa

Jhon Durán

F (CRL)

Aston Villa

37

Games
8

Goals
0

Assists

“We know Benjamin Sesko is not going to Chelsea. There remains a name they have considered since January as a potential transfer target, but the decision then was not to advance on any negotiations. But Jhon Duran from Aston Villa is a player they really like and remains on their shortlist. With Sesko not joining any club, he remains one of the strong names on Chelsea’s list,” he says.

“They already had conversations with Villa because we know Aston Villa’s situation with Financial Fair Play, this is why there’s the Douglas Luiz deal, but they also like Conor Gallagher and is one of their dream targets.

“They discussed club-to-club about Jhon Duran. Aston Villa want big money, probably £35-40m. Despite interest from Italy, Jhon Duran is now giving priority to Chelsea, and he would love this possibility.”

Chelsea target Solanke swoop

© IMAGO - Lloyd Kelly and Dominic Solanke celebrate a Bournemouth goal

Chelsea are also looking at the possibility of re-signing a former player in a deal that echoes their decision to bring Romelu Lukaku back to the club in the summer of 2021.

HITC reports that Bournemouth forward Dominic Solanke is on the radar of Maresca’s side.

It is stated that Solanke, who has one England cap, has a release clause in his contract that will allow him to leave for €78 million (£65m) – but only to certain clubs. Chelsea, though, are among this group, which also reportedly contains Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham.

Furthermore, it is claimed that the Blues have already done their “homework” on the player, with “favourable reports” received.

Solanke made just one appearance for Chelsea’s first team before departing to join Liverpool on a free transfer in 2017. His career appeared to be drifting until last season, when he netted 19 Premier League goals – the first time he has hit double figures in a top-flight season.