Duran finally close to €40m transfer after Chelsea saga

Jhon Duran finally looks set to leave Aston Villa this summer after months of speculation linking the striker to Chelsea. Article continues under the video The Colombian was one of the names lined up by Chelsea to strengthen their frontline, however a transfer had so far failed to materialise following negotiations with Villa.

Villa were thought to be holding out for a fee of around €50 million for the 20-year-old, which caused the transfer to stall despite Duran agreeing personal terms with Chelsea. Chelsea went on to sign Marc Guiu from Barcelona as depth up front but the 18-year-old could be loaned out, with Enzo Maresca’s side still thought to be seeking a more proven option as an alternative to Nicolas Jackson.

However, it appears that Duran will not be the player Chelsea end up bringing in, with reports from Colombia claiming that a verbal agreement has been reached between West Ham and Villa over a transfer. Journalist Pipe Sierra has stated that Duran is close to becoming a West Ham player, with documents expected to be finalised over a deal worth £35 million (€41.5m.)

Duran set for West Ham move after Chelsea deal failure

Duran has scored just five Premier League goals since joining Villa for €16.65m in January 2023, although only three of his 35 appearances have been starts. The youngster’s impressive goals-to-minute ratio led to interest from Chelsea but a deal proved too difficult to strike prior to the PSR deadline in June, with a transfer only considered possible if multiple players were exchanged in the transfer.

Chelsea and Villa have already done business together, having seen Ian Maatsen and Omari Kellyman swap clubs, however it appears Duran will not add to that as he prepares to join West Ham. The Hammers have been in search for a new striker and a deal for Duran would take their spending to more than €100m this summer after the €47.5m arrival of Max Kilman and the €23m signing of Luis Guilherme.