Chelsea will reportedly come to a final decision whether or not to advance with interest in Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran 'soon'.
As new manager Enzo Maresca seeks to add firepower in his first act since moving to West London, Villa's Colombian prospect has been identified as a potential £40m answer. Talks between the two clubs opened last week, with the selling club eventually giving permission for the buyers to contact the player's representatives.
However, a possible snag was raised over the weekend. Chelsea - who have also been looking at alternatives - were said to be 'unsure' if to proceed with the Duran deal as they conduct background checks and consider his wage demands.
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It is understood Villa, with one eye on Profit and Sustainability Rules, are ready to accept this departure. Whilst they await a conclusion, reporter Fabrizio Romano has published a latest update claiming to know where matters stand.
"Chelsea are expected to make a decision soon on Jhon Duran situation, after talks with Aston Villa over swap deal," he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
"Chelsea are also considering other options for new striker but talks also with Duran's agents already took place, he wants the move. Up to the club now."
With the coming days set to be telling in this latest saga, the two clubs also remained engaged over the fates of a number of players. In the build-up to the transfer window's opening last Friday, both Conor Gallagher and Ian Maatsen have been credited with interest from Unai Emery and Co.
The London club are also said to be under the watchful eye of PSR, and so are also under pressure to sell before the accounting deadline, though this has been denied. Signing a striker is ultimately Maresca's 'priority' heading into the Italian's first season in charge of a Premier League club.
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