Chelsea are still interested in a move for Jhon Duran, although Unai Emery wants to keep him at Aston Villa beyond the summer window.
According to The Daily Mirror, Jhon Duran might have a decision to make ahead of the summer, with Chelsea ready to reignite their interest in the 20-year-old South American forward. Unai Emery wants the Colombian to stay at Aston Villa, as he insists there is a plan in place to help the striker grow his game.
Chelsea reignites Jhon Duran interest.
Chelsea will enter the transfer window with renewed vigour and even a strong transfer budget, as they will prioritise a new striker. For so long, there have been big links to some of the top strikers like Victor Osimhen, Viktor Gyokeres, and even Ivan Toney. But they might also look at alternative names such as Jhon Duran.
Incidentally, they were keen on the 20-year-old South American forward during the January transfer window. But Aston Villa were uninterested in a sale. The Colombian’s two goals against Liverpool last Monday helped them secure UEFA Champions League football, as they were still running a tight race with Tottenham for that fourth spot.
Chelsea are ready to reignite their interest in the forward ahead of the summer, as they look to build depth in their attacking areas. They might lose Armando Broja to a transfer, meaning they might need an alternative name to replace him and also play a secondary role to Nicolas Jackson.
While Chelsea’s interest might appeal to a player like Duran, Aston Villa boss Unai Emery wants to keep the Colombian beyond the summer window. He insists there’s a plan in place for the young attacker and believes he can improve the team’s attack in the new campaign.
Emery said, “I believe in Jhon Duran. When we signed him, he was 19 years old. This season, he started with an injury. He started playing in August or September – he didn’t even have a pre-season. He’s getting better. Now is his best moment with us. But his adaptation has not been easy.”
”And I think he is showing the capacity for us, particularly in the last match. He’s here because we wanted him and we want to keep him as well. We think he can improve us, so we want him to stay here and work with us.”
Aston Villa to keep Jhon Duran?
From Emery’s comments, it is clear that the Spanish manager wants Duran to stay, irrespective of whether a new striker arrives in the upcoming window. Duran has plenty of potential to become a significant player, as the Aston Villa boss clearly sees his season as a sign of progress.
Should Chelsea persist with an offer, Villa will demand a significant sum, as they do have a long-term contract with the 20-year-old South American forward. However, for now, the Birmingham-based club will keep the Colombian and look to give him more minutes in the new season.
