Yahoo Sports Latest update rules Chelsea out of race for £80m man as they seek solution for problem position
Chelsea are not in the race for Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran despite being linked with the 21-year-old according to reports.
The Blues haven’t been as busy as expected this month, but with the January window in the final few days, this is usually when business starts to pick up.
Chelsea are yet to sign anyone, although they have agreed a deal for teenage defender Mamadou Sarr to arrive from Strasbourg in the summer.
Chelsea not in Duran race
It’s no secret the Blues would like to add an attacker to their squad before deadline day, but in order for that to happen one of the existing crop need to leave to make space in the squad.
Christopher Nkunku was seen as the most likely to leave, but there’s a chance Joao Felix could leave, and it’s believed up to four clubs are interested in a potential late move.
Aston Villa are one of the clubs interested in the 25-year-old, but a deal is said to be difficult at this late stage of proceedings.
Villa’s interest in Felix has raised the possibility of Chelsea going back in for Duran, with the Blues strongly linked with the Colombian over the summer.
However, Villa have made it every clear they aren’t entertaining offers of less than £80m for the Colombia international who is also attracting interest from Saudi side Al-Nassr.
Chelsea fans would love it if the club signs Duran, but Spanish journalist Eduardo Burgos has provided an update on the situation which suggests it isn’t going to happen.
He took to X.com and said:
“EXC. Chelsea are not in the race for Jhon Duran.
“These are just rumours, say some sources. The player could still leave in this market.
More Stories / Latest News
Latest update rules Chelsea out of race for £80m man as they seek solution for problem position
The Athletic detail why Chelsea are confident they can shift £80m duo despite no fresh enquiries
Chelsea must turn to youth stars to help struggling squad back on track
“Al Nassr has him in his sights in case the operation for Victor Boniface fails. One of the names to follow in recent days.”
The clock is ticking for Chelsea to bring in a striker to compete with Nicolas Jackson, but it appears offloading one of Nkunku or Felix holds the key to any new arrivals.
