Chelsea dressing room already been sent warning about next Enzo Maresca signing

New Chelsea chief Enzo Maresca has been cautioned over the temperament of transfer target Jhon Duran. Aston Villa ‘s Colombian goalscorer showed glimpses of his talent this past season after joining from Chicago Fire in January 2023.

More specifically, it was a brilliant brace against Liverpool late on in the campaign that put other clubs on high alert as to what the 20-year-old has brought to the Premier League . Chelsea are believed to be one such admirer in the running for the forward’s signature this summer, but his prospective team-mates have been warned he can be a bit of a handful.

That’s the review that came courtesy of Villa star John McGinn after Duran’s double secured a vital 3-3 draw against the Reds. “This place got us going when we got the second goal. It’s a brilliant effort,” the Scot said of his team-mate at the time.

“Big Jhon is a bit nuts at times. He’s a nightmare to play against, but he’s got moments of quality. “Okay, the second goal [a deflected effort past Liverpool keeper Alison Becker] was not about quality, but the first one was a top finish. We will need to try to keep his feet on the ground the next couple of days.”

That may not be Unai Emery’s problem for much longer if they decide to sell the player, who is believed to be available for around £45million. However, Chelsea – who finished sixth last term to only qualify for the Europa Conference League play-offs – may struggle to lure the player considering Villa can offer Champions League football.

The west Londoners have already started this summer’s recruitment driver after signing Tosin Adarabioyo on a free following his exit from Fulham. And a striker appears to be next on the agenda for Chelsea after leaning too heavily on Nicolas Jackson last term.

Despite McGinn’s tongue-in-cheek appraisal of his team- mate, there’s no doubt the midfielder would rather be playing with Duran than against him. Emery’s frontman scored eight goals in 37 appearances for Villa last term, though just 10 of those appearances were starts.

Conor Gallagher could prove pivotal in negotiations considering Villa have already been in contact with his representatives as the England midfielder enters the final 12 months of his contract.

It’s possible the two clubs could come to some sort of swap arrangement – even if Duran would add a measurement of madness to the Blues dressing room.