Aston Villa strike major agreement for £45m Chelsea and West Ham United 'target'

Aston Villa have secured explosive young striker Jhon Duran to a new contract until June 2030, rewarding the Colombian for his remarkable form.

The 21-year-old has enjoyed a tremendous start to the 2024/25 season, with six goals in just 324 minutes of competitive action. Four of those strikes have been winners, too, making him hugely influential to Villa’s success in August, September and October.

Signed from Major League Soccer outfit Chicago Fire in January 2023, Duran arrived with plenty of potential but not many would have expected his rapid rise. Notorious for being a super sub, the 12-time Colombia international’s value has soared from the mere £14.75 million plus add-ons paid to sign him 20 months ago.

Premier League rivals Chelsea and West Ham United were both close to pinching Duran from Villa on separate occasions during the summer. Chelsea reached an agreement in principle to sign the striker for £45 million before pulling the plug, while West Ham saw two bids rejected.

Duran infamously pushed for a move to the Hammers by making an irons gesture with his fists during a social media live stream, an act that prompted an internal investigation at Villa. That moment of madness was soon brushed under the carpet, though, as Unai Emery decided to give Duran another chance.

The speedy development has since been clear, with memorable goals already scored against the likes of Everton, Crystal Palace and Bayern Munich. And now supporters can look forward to many more similar moments with several more years at Villa Park now confirmed.