According to a report from The Telegraph, Chelsea are genuinely interested in Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran and are contemplating a potential unexpected offer for the Colombian international before the January transfer window concludes.
Duran’s Frustrating Campaign With Aston Villa So Far This Season
Duran has encountered challenges securing consistent playing opportunities at Villa Park this season, frequently finding himself behind Ollie Watkins in Unai Emery’s selection hierarchy. Despite his commendable record of four goals and one assist in 23 appearances across various competitions for the West Midlands club this campaign, the 20-year-old has exclusively featured as a substitute.
This limited playing time is reflected in his statistics, with an average of only 0.9 shots, 0.1 key passes, and 0.1 dribbles per game in the Premier League. Furthermore, his pass completion rate in the final third is notably low at 66.7%, indicating a struggle to effectively link up play with teammates (stats via whoscored).
Regrettably, Duran is grappling with a lack of trust from Emery at the Midlands club, prompting consideration for a move elsewhere in pursuit of increased playing opportunities in the upcoming seasons.
Is He A Decent Fit For Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea?
Duran has the ability to create space for himself and take shots at goal, but he must enhance his clinical finishing in the final third and work on improving his distribution in the attacking zone.
The Colombian prospect is still in the early stages of development and must demonstrate his capabilities in top-tier football. Currently deemed surplus to requirements at Villa Park, Unai Emery is unlikely to deploy him unless Ollie Watkins is unavailable. Consequently, Stamford Bridge presents an enticing prospect for Duran, and the Blues could successfully attract him.
Crucially, the West London club require an immediate impact from any new signing, especially with the Premier League title race intensifying. Mauricio Pochettino cannot afford an extended adaptation period for a newcomer. Duran’s familiarity with English football from his time at Aston Villa could facilitate a smooth transition, enabling him to make an instant impact and address Chelsea’s urgent attacking needs.
