Chelsea 'weigh up' shock swoop for Aston Villa forward as new transfer stance emerges

Chelsea are reportedly considering a shock swoop for Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran before the end of the January transfer window.

Mauricio Pochettino's side have been struck by a host of long-term injuries this season, including across their front line. Duran is being considered a short-term solution as the Blues look to attacking depth for the rest of the campaign.

That's according to journalist Nathan Gissing, who works alongside reputable Italian reporter Gianluca Di Marzio. It's claimed Duran has been "discussed internally" at Chelsea, with a loan move potentially in the offing.

The Blues are weighing up whether it's better to move for Duran or wait for Victor Osimhen, with the Napoli forward expected to be available in the summer. Regardless, Villa won't move quickly to let Duran go, however, as they "would need a suitable replacement" first.

Unai Emery has also recently spoken of his delight for the Colombia international's progression, changing the club's stance as the striker originally appeared to be up for sale.

Unai Emery comments on Jhon Duran transfer stance

"He is playing and he is being important, he is young. We need experiences and he is here having experiences with us. We need a second striker because we have to try to be strong in our squad with two players per position," Emery said on January 12.

"It is [Ollie] Watkins and Jhon Duran. I am working with him a lot, his commitment is progressively better. When we talked about the decision to sign him one year ago, the process we are doing with him is it," Emery concluded.

Duran, who signed from Chicago Fire for around £15 million last winter, has scored four goals in 35 appearances for Villa. Most of his appearances have been off the bench, however, with a goal netted once every 195 minutes.