Chelsea consider “Swap Deal” Involving Joao Felix and £80M rated striker – Report
Chelsea have enquired about Jhon Duran in talks with Aston Villa regarding Joao Felix, according to reports.
Felix Johnston, who claims to have insider knowledge about discussions, suggests there is potential for a “swap deal” of some kind:
I’m told that Chelsea have brought up Jhon Duran during talks with Aston Villa over Joao Felix.
A ‘swap deal’ of sorts could be on the cards.
— Felix (@FelixJohnston_) January 28, 2025
Villa are keen on doing a deal for Felix but it remains to be seen whether they would be open to Duran moving in the other direction.
Duran’s price tag is very high
There are suggestions that the Midlands club may consider selling the Colombian international this month. The club are having difficulties managing the minutes of the striker who wants to be a regular starter but manager Unai Emery still sees Ollie Watkins as his first choice.
That means Duran’s exit could be sanctioned but only if their valuation is met. They have already rejected a £57m offer from West Ham for the striker in recent weeks, with the club reportedly holding out for as much as £80m.
Chelsea would need cash on top of offering Felix
Considering that the Blues paid £45.5m to sign the Portuguese international last summer, a straight swap is unlikely to be enough to tempt Villa into letting Duran go, especially when you take into account their asking price.
A lot will depend on how desperate Chelsea are to bring in a new striker. Nicolas Jackson has had a very good season but he has struggled to find the back of the net recently. Adding competition from Duran could prove beneficial but they would have to spend heavily to get him.
Some may argue that the club would be better off pursuing alternatives such as RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko or Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres but Duran has shown he can score goals in the Premier League and Champions League. If he is available this month. Chelsea may find it difficult to pass up the opportunity to secure his services.