Wildcard transfer could solve Chelsea's striker problem

Tom Weber

Updated: 29 Jul 2024 17:36 BST
4 min read

West Ham are beginning to turn their attention away from Jhon Duran, potentially enabling Chelsea to re-enter the race for him.

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The Blues continue to be in the market for a striker despite having already signed Marc Guiu and Omari Kellyman this summer, with both players capable of playing the No.9 role.

Chelsea still want to bring in a more proven centre-forward and Fabrizio Romano has recently given fans hope that their club could yet land Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen.

However, the west London giants will only make a move for him at the right price, even though Napoli are now open to the possibility of a swap deal with Romelu Lukaku.

Osimhen's hefty wages will need to be lowered before he can think of completing his dream move to Stamford Bridge. Failing that, Chelsea still have other options in the market.

Duran unlocked?

Aston Villa youngster Jhon Duran has been on Chelsea's shortlist of striker targets since January. Early this summer, the Blues appeared to be very keen on striking a deal for the 20-year-old, but their interest eventually cooled.

This enabled West Ham to pursue the Colombian, who is desperate to leave Villa Park, having failed to dislodge Ollie Watkins as Unai Emery's favoured forward. Indeed, so keen is Duran on a move to east London that he recently threw up the Hammers' sign on a recent Instagram livestream.

However, Sky Sports now reports that West Ham are beginning to look at other options as there is still a sizeable gap in valuation between Villa and the Hammers.

The Premier League side are considering Borussia Dortmund striker Niclas Fullkrug, who has ostensibly slipped down to second in the pecking order following the Champions League finalists' signing of Serhou Guirassy.

Borussia Dortmund are not desperate to sell, especially now with Youssoufa Moukouko trying to force his way out of the club, and coach Nuri Sahin recently insisted that both Fullkrug and Guirassy feature prominently in his plans.

However, it is thought that Dortmund will be prepared to talk at the right price and, given that Fullkrug is 31, he likely would not cost a fortune. Should West Ham end their pursuit of Duran for good, it could enable Chelsea to reignite their interest.

With the player likely having ruined his relationship with Villa due to his recent gesture - which the club are said to be 'investigating' - Chelsea could perhaps be in a good negotiating position.