Chelsea 'unsure' whether to sign top target

Cameron Smith

14 Jun 2024 12:30 CDT
3 min read

Enzo Maresca, Chelsea, Leicester, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Chelsea are reportedly “unsure” whether to sign Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran, despite receiving permission to discuss personal terms with the 20-year-old.

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Unai Emery’s side are willing to sell Duran on a permanent deal this summer and have set their asking price at a reported €47.4 million (£40m).

Chelsea are long-term admirers of the Colombian and were heavily linked with a move during the January transfer window. They were unable to agree a deal with Villa, but the Blues have now rekindled their interest.

However, The Guardian have reported that Chelsea are now “unsure” if they should push to sign Duran this summer.

Enzo Maresca’s side are still interested in signing Duran, although it remains to be seen if they are willing to pay Villa’s asking price for a player with only three Premier League starts to his name.

In other news, Aston Villa are keen on Blues duo Ian Maatsen and Conor Gallagher, although the latter is now unlikely to be involved in any deal that could see Duran move to Stamford Bridge.

Gallagher is currently on international duty with England at Euro 2024 and reports have suggested that he wants to stay at Chelsea, despite heavy links with a summer exit.

© IMAGO - Chelsea have been heavily linked with a move for Aston Villa's Jhon Duran

Will Michael Olise join Chelsea?

Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise appears to be Chelsea’s priority summer target, and the Blues have contacted Oliver Glasner’s side regarding a possible move for the Frenchman.

However, The Guardian have reported there are doubts over whether Olise would choose to join Chelsea amid interest from the likes of Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Manchester City.

The France U21 international scored 10 goals and provided six assists in 19 Premier League appearances during the 2023-24 campaign, and his current contract at Selhurst Park runs until 2027 after he signed a new deal last summer.