Chelsea will be looking to drop the option to sign Al Ittihad striker Karim Benzema as they continue their pursuit of Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran. It was recently reported that the French striker could potentially be available for a loan deal until the end of the season. It drew the interest of several European giants including the likes of Chelsea. Reports have now claimed that Benzema will not be joining The Blues as the club plans to “avoid costly moves for older players”. The Athletic has also said that Chelsea are considering signing Villa striker Duran and have supposedly held talks about a deal.
Karim Benzema moved to Saudi Arabia in June 2023 having spent 14 years at the Spanish club. During his time with the Los Blancos, Benzema established himself as a clinical striker. He won five UEFA Champions League titles at the Spanish capital while making 648 appearances. In those games, Benzema scored a whopping 354 goals while assisting his teammates 165 times. He won his fifth Champions League crown in the 2021-22 season which also saw him win the Ballon d’Or trophy.
After that season it was announced that Karim Benzema would leave the club and join Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad the following season. His unexpected availability within just six months in Saudi Arabia might seem attractive to Chelsea but the club would be more focused on investing in a younger talent. With players including Cristopher Nkunku and Armando Broja suffering injuries, the club are currently in dire need of a striker.
That is where Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran comes in for Chelsea. The Colombian striker joined Villa last year in January. The 20-year-old is widely considered to be one of the emerging talents by the Londoners. According to The Athletic, Chelsea would be looking to pounce provided that the “price reduces to a level they deem fair”. The sale of Armando Broja would also improve the chances of The Blues securing Duran ahead of deadline day.
Since arriving at Villa Park Jhon Duran has struggled for game time and goals. The club would now be open to making a deal for their player to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules. Villa would have to raise funds by the end of this season and club coach Unai Emery not being the biggest fan of Duran could potentially be the saving grace for him. Duran is also currently below Ollie Watkins in the pecking order at the club.
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