striker Jhon Duran is ‘excited’ by the prospect of joining Chelsea in a proposed £42million move this summer.
Chelsea are on the hunt for attacking reinforcements after a mixed debut season for last term, in which the Senegal international – a £32m arrival from Villarreal – managed 17 goals in all competitions for the Blues.
had been identified as Chelsea’s primary target but the west giants have been forced to go back to the drawing board and consider their options up front, with .
As a result, , despite playing second fiddle to Ollie Watkins across an underwhelming opening 18 months at Villa Park.
Reports emanating out of Colombia last week claimed and talks were underway over his contract.
According to , Duran is ‘excited’ by the challenge of having to prove himself at Chelsea and the player is confident he would be a ‘good fit’ for .
It’s claimed Duran is settled at Villa but would be keen to push through a switch to Stamford Bridge should the opportunity present itself before the summer transfer window closes.
The report adds that Chelsea and Villa share a good working relationship and finilising a transfer deal for Duran would likely be straightforward as long as all parties are in alignment.
Duran, capped nine times by the Colombia national team, is tied into a contract at Villa Park until 2028.
When he was first linked with a move to Stamford Bridge over the winter, Duran made no secret of his desire to play for a club of Chelsea’s stature.
‘I remain focused on . 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, meanwhile, talked up a move to west London before Mauricio Pochettino left Chelsea by mutual consent last month.
‘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.’
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