“I really want to play under Enzo Maresca” “Make it happen” – £40m striker wants Chelsea move
Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig was not available to Chelsea, who is looking for a new striker for this summer.
The striker Jhon Duran of Aston Villa is currently being closely linked to Chelsea.
Duran is reportedly “excited” about the task of proving himself at Chelsea and is certain that he would be a “good fit” for the team and their goals under Enzo Maresca, according to The Evening Standard.
Nine caps have been earned by Duran for the Colombia national team. According to speculations, Chelsea and Aston Villa have reached an agreement to sell the young Colombian for £42 million.
Duran said that he would like to play for a team of Chelsea’s caliber when he was first connected to a winter transfer to Stamford Bridge.
“I remain focused on Aston Villa. I am not aware of interest from AC Milan or Chelsea,” he told Colombian outlet Win Sports TV.
“They are giant clubs, and it would be a pleasure but I have no knowledge of anything.”
Duran’s agent, Jonathan Herrera, also claimed Chelsea are still interested in Duran despite the departure of Mauricio Pochettino.
“The interest has always been there. The fact that Pochettino continues or leaves the club [shouldn’t affect that]. The one who wants him in the end is the club,” Herrara said.
“He is a player that if they change coach or not, we will see what happens, but there has always been interest. Let’s see how we can handle it and make sure Aston Villa are ready.”
Meanwhile, journalist Simon Phillips has now claimed that Chelsea are prepared to walk away from the deal in order to put pressure on Villa to make the terms easier.
He reports: “SPTC sources have heard Chelsea are ‘preparing’ to walk away from the deal, perhaps putting pressure on Villa to reduce their asking price for him.
“As of last night, talks had continued yesterday, and I do believe talks will continue again today. There is still every chance this deal gets done, but it will need one side to fold on their stance. Villa are not only asking for £40m for Duran, but they are also asking for too much of the fee up front.
“SPTC sources have now heard Chelsea could soon walk away from this one and turn attentions elsewhere.
“Chelsea have been speaking internally on other options they could go for this week, and the most recent names mentioned to me via our sources is Ivan Toney of Brentford, Dominic Solanke of Bournemouth, and Evan Ferguson of Brighton.
“There is still interest in Serhou Guirassy of Stuttgart, and Tammy Abraham of Roma too. Other names are also on our shortlist.”