Chelsea are preparing to approve a swap deal involving striker Armando Broja to bring Aston Villa youngster Jhon Duran to the club this month. The Blues have been interested in the Colombian striker all month and may now consider using Broja as a makeweight in a deal.
Aston Villa recruited Duran from the Chicago Fire last year, and he has failed to distinguish himself as a vital player for the team. The 20-year-old has only scored four goals this season, and there are reports of disagreements with the club’s management.
Despite the club’s ridiculous wealth of talent, Chelsea has unable to recruit a prolific striker since the Todd Boehly-Clearlake period began. They avoided adding any big-name strikers this summer, instead relying on Nicolas Jackson and Armando Broja, both of whom are just 22 years old.
While Jackson has scored eight goals this season, Broja has just two, prompting the Blues to contemplate selling him. The Albanian striker is valued at roughly £35 million by the English club and has sparked interest from a number of other clubs.
Despite Duran’s recent injury, Chelsea are now preparing to make a bid for him, according to TEAMTalk. They aim to use Broja as a negotiating tool in their pursuit of Duran, whom they believe is immensely skilled.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery said last week that he wanted Duran to stay with the club, but discussions between the two teams may result in a different outcome. A deal for Duran will not prevent the Blues from chasing a high-profile striker in the summer, as previously intended.
Chelsea will not be able to sign Karim Benzema
Karim Benzema, a former Ballon d’Or winner, has been linked with a return to Europe after recent troubles at his Saudi Arabian club, with Chelsea among his probable destinations. The Blues were hoping to boost their front line after Christopher Nkunku’s injury.
According to renowned football writer David Ornstein, the Blues never really contemplated signing the Al Ittihad player because of his age. He said that Mauricio Pochettino’s side was looking for younger players and wanted to avoid additions like Benzema.
With no definite ties to new attackers, Chelsea are expected to begin the second half of the season with just Jackson and Broja as strikers. They will then attempt to make a summer move for one of their high-paying targets.