Chelsea make progress in Duran pursuit as new swap opportunity emerges

Tom Weber

Updated: 14 Jun 2024 07:34 CDT
3 min read

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

Chelsea have received formal permission from Aston Villa to speak to Jhon Duran, according to a report.

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The Blues' striker pursuit has taken another step forward, according to The Telegraph. Aston Villa have given Chelsea permission to hold talks with Colombian youngster Duran over personal terms ahead of a potential move.

Chelsea accelerated their interest in the 20-year-old earlier this week after the striker's name came up during negotiations with Aston Villa over Conor Gallagher. Unai Emery is keen to add the boyhood Blue ahead of his side's first-ever Champions League campaign, while Chelsea are trying to raise funds.

The west London giants are in the market for a centre-forward after Nicolas Jackson showed himself to be quite raw still in the bygone season. Duran is now the favourite for the position following Benjamin Sesko's decision to extend his RB Leipzig contract.

Duran is keen on the move, but the chances of a proper swap deal with Gallagher materialising are slim to none. The England international has no intention to discuss his future during Euro 2024 and, if it were up to him, he would prefer to remain at Stamford Bridge.

Villa want Maatsen

Chelsea are now set to open talks with Duran over personal terms and they are also currently doing background and character checks on the striker. The Blues, in line with club policy under Todd Boehly, want to offer the Colombian a long, incentivised contract.

A new detail being reported now is that Villa have also enquired about Ian Maatsen during the talks. Chelsea are keen to offload the left-back and the Dutchman has a release clause in the region of €40 million, while Duran is expected to cost a little under €50m.

The chances for a swap deal here appear greater than with regards to Gallagher, but little seems to have thus far materialised on the Maatsen front. Borussia Dortmund want to keep hold of the defender after a successful six-month loan spell, but they are reluctant to trigger his release clause.