Jhon Duran’s agent confirmed Chelsea’s interest in the Aston Villa striker while insisting Mauricio Pochettino’s exit is not an issue.
Jhon Duran has been a player on the periphery of Unai Emery’s plan during the recently concluded Premier League season. There were suggestions that the club would be willing to let him leave in January, and after a solid finish to the campaign, the Colombian could be back on the market.
A host of clubs from within the Premier League and abroad are seemingly monitoring the 20-year-old’s situation. Chelsea had been interested back in January, and they continue to admire the striker, but Emery wants to keep him for next season and beyond.
The Spanish manager suggested that Duran was part of his plans in a big way and that he would prefer to keep the club from selling him. However, Chelsea’s interest refuses to go away, meaning there’s some substance to the whole rumour linking the 20-year-old Premier League striker to a switch to Stamford Bridge.
The Colombian’s agent has now confirmed Chelsea’s interest via his comments on Caracol while insisting Mauricio Pochettino’s exit will have no bearing on the striker’s decision to switch.
He said, “The interest has always existed. The fact that Pochettino continues or leaves the club (should not affect), the one who wants him in the end is the club. He is a player who, whether they change coaches or not, is something we will see what happens, but there has always been an interest. Let’s see how we can handle it and make sure Aston Villa is ready.”
For starters, Duran has a long-term contract at Aston Villa, which gives the Birmingham side the power in negotiations. In any case, they know the value of a goalscorer and will demand a significant price should they eventually choose to sell.
Chelsea are eager to work out a deal differently, with suggestions that Aston Villa’s interest in Conor Gallagher could play it’s part. Whether the two clubs are open to discussing an exchange remains to be seen, but it’s certainly not ruled out.
As things stand, should Aston Villa guarantee Duran ample game time in the upcoming season, then the striker might choose to stay. Moreover, they are also in a position to offer Champions League football, something Chelsea cannot. Things could still change dramatically, as the summer window certainly promises to pack a few surprises.