Chelsea Jhon Duran

Chelsea looking to sign Premier League youngster on loan in January

Aditya Singh

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran on loan in the January transfer window.

The Blues have struggled for goals again this season, especially from their strikers. Nicolas Jackson and Armando Broja have scored just 10 goals between them across competitions. Meanwhile, Christopher Nkunku has been able to make just four appearances due to his major injury issues.

Hence, Chelsea have been linked with making a new signing in attack this January despite having spent over £1 billion in the last three windows. Manager Mauricio Pochettino recently expressed his faith in his current squad to step up, saying:

“We are assessing the squad like always. But I am happy because we have different options to play in the striker positions and then we need our second line offensive players to step up and score and help the team score and win games.”

However, according to Metro, the Blues are looking to bring in Duran on loan this January. The Colombian striker has played a second fiddle to in-form Ollie Watkins at Aston Villa this season. He has started just seven games and none of them in the Premier League. Hence, Duran could look to leave the club for more playing time.

Also Read: Karim Benzema Transfer: Man Utd Stance, Chelsea Interest and Arsenal snub

Chelsea are also without Nicolas Jackson as the striker is currently on international duty at AFCON with Senegal. He could be out until February 12 if Senegal reach the final.

Duran, meanwhile, joined Aston Villa from MLS side Chicago Fire FC in January 2023. The 20-year-old striker has made 35 appearances for the Villans, scoring four goals and providing one assist.

Villa have reached the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa Conference League, and the fourth round of the FA Cup. They are also third in the Premier League table. Hence, they might look to hold on to Duran for squad depth.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have also been linked with loan moves for the likes of veterans Roberto Firmino and Karim Benzema this January. They are also interested in permanently signing Victor Osimhen but a January move appears unlikely due to financial reasons.