Chelsea could face competition for Jhon Duran’s signature if they want to sign the Aston Villa striker next year.
Chelsea wanted to bring the 20-year-old to the club in the last transfer window. According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea tried really hard to sign Duran but were unable to complete a deal.
Duran remained at Villa and has made an impressive start to the season under Unai Emery.
In six Premier League appearances, Duran has scored four goals. All of his appearances have come from off the bench.
Chelsea face potential transfer battle with West Ham for Jhon Duran
Chelsea may have to see off competition from London rivals West Ham United to sign Duran in 2025.
Like Chelsea, West Ham also tried to sign Duran from Villa during the summer but failed. The Hammers making another attempt for him next year has not been ruled out.
Speaking about Duran’s future, journalist Ben Jacobs told GiveMeSport: “We need to keep a very close eye, not just on Chelsea, who have had Duran on their list of options, but West Ham as well. They moved in another direction and brought in Niclas Fullkrug, but they’re not scoring goals, and they’re not looking sharp or balanced.
“They’re not looking like a team at the moment that can challenge for a top-half finish or European football. If things continue to go in a negative direction, they might be one of the clubs that have to spend big to bring in a source of goals, either in January or summer 2025.”
The advantage West Ham could have over Chelsea
Nicolas Jackson is the first-choice striker at Chelsea and like Duran, the 23-year-old is also in form right now.
In the six top-flight appearances that he has made this season, Jackson has scored four goals as well while providing three assists.
Christopher Nkunku, who is currently Chelsea’s second-choice striker, has also found himself among the goals this term. He recently bagged a hat-trick in the Blues’ 5-0 Carabao Cup win against Barrow.
It means there is no guarantee that Duran would be a starter under Enzo Maresca. In contrast, West Ham may be able to offer him regular playing time, especially amid their struggles.
They have only won one game this season and have only managed to score six goals. That guarantee of first-team minutes, then, could give West Ham the advantage over Chelsea in any potential race for Duran in January or next summer.
If the Colombia international keeps scoring, though, Villa may not even consider selling him.
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