Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran has responded to rumors linking him with a high-profile transfer to Chelsea this summer.
Chelsea has shown significant interest in the 20-year-old as they aim to continue their impressive transfer activity, bringing in more players for their new manager Enzo Maresca.
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Last season, Chelsea struggled to score under former manager Mauricio Pochettino, with Nicolas Jackson having an inconsistent debut season at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea and their London rivals Arsenal were both keen on signing Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, but the Slovenian forward opted to stay with the Bundesliga club, extending his contract.
Consequently, Chelsea has renewed their interest in Duran, whom they initially pursued in January, despite his relatively modest performance at Villa Park.
Serving as a backup to England striker Ollie Watkins, Duran has netted only eight goals in 37 appearances for Aston Villa since his transfer from MLS side Chicago Fire in January 2023.
Nevertheless, Chelsea remains interested in Duran, with reports from earlier this month suggesting they have agreed on a £42m deal with Villa.
When asked about speculation he could join Chelsea this summer, Duran said: ‘The options of the other teams, I don’t know, I am not aware now.
‘I’m focused on the national team, at the Copa America, wanting to add minutes, supporting the team a lot. For those topics of a possible move, I already have other people who take care of that.’
Chelsea, who secured sixth place in the Premier League last season following a strong finish under Pochettino, have made two acquisitions this summer, signing Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham and Estevao Willian from Palmeiras.
Adarabioyo, a highly-regarded defender, has joined Chelsea on a four-year contract after his deal with Fulham came to an end.
‘Chelsea is a huge club and this is a full-circle moment for me. I was born three miles away from Stamford Bridge and made my professional debut there,’ he said after joining the Blues.
‘I’m very excited and looking forward to helping push the club in the direction we want to go.’
Chelsea are also being linked with moves for Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak and Nottingham Forest star Murillo as they prepare for the 2024-25 season.
