Jhon Duran excited by Chelsea move but Blues yet to decide on preferred striker target

Jhon Duran is excited by the challenge of proving himself at Chelsea should the Blues progress their interest in the Aston Villa striker.

The Colombia forward is happy at Villa but is understood to be keen on a move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are confident of agreeing a deal with Villa for the 20-year-old, if they settle on Duran as their striker signing for the summer.

Duran is understood to believe he would be a good fit at Chelsea, both under the club’s wider vision and the approach of new head coach Enzo Maresca.

Jhon Duran is a long-term target for Chelsea (Getty Images)

The former Chicago Fire frontman would relish a chance to work alongside Nicolas Jackson, as both team-mate and competitor.

Duran scored eight goals in the 2023-24 season at Villa, having made a £14.75million move from the US in January 2023.

Chelsea are considered unlikely to look at swap deals in any move for Duran, but Villa are interested in a number of Blues players this summer.

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Blues chiefs are thought to enjoy a good working relationship with their Villa counterparts however, and a solution would not be expected to be difficult.

Villa are among the strong suitors for Chelsea’s England midfielder Conor Gallagher.

The Chelsea academy graduate is highly regarded by Villa boss Unai Emery, and the Birmingham club want to press to prise him away from Stamford Bridge.

Gallagher wants to stay at Chelsea however, having progressed well under Maurico Pochettino, captaining the Blues on 30 occasions in the season just completed.

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