Chelsea pulling plug on transfer despite Aston Villa ‘agreement’

Jhon Duran’s proposed move from Aston Villa to Chelsea is in serious doubt despite the two clubs reaching an agreement nearly two weeks ago.

The Blues were granted permission to speak to the Colombian striker after having an offer of £40 million accepted verbally, but the deal has since gone eerily quiet. Chelsea are reportedly considering other options after several doubts surfaced about Duran, including over game time demands and the player’s attitude.

GIVEMESPORT reports Enzo Maresca’s side are now put off by the £40 million asking price and Duran’s demands for immediate minutes. Stuttgart’s Serhou Guirassy, Hoffenheim’s Maximilian Beier and Atletico Madrid’s Samu Omorodion have all been eyed as alternatives.

Chelsea have also activated Barcelona striker Marc Guiu’s £5 million release clause and are in advanced talks over acquiring the Spaniard’s services. The 18-year-old has only played seven times at a senior level but his potential is seen as worthy of the investment.

Duran and Maatsen deals unrelated

The Blues pulling out of a deal for Duran is understood to be completely unrelated to Villa’s imminent £37.5 million acquisition of Ian Maatsen. Although discussed internally as a swap deal initially, the two deals were then treated separately as to not cause any complications.

Villa are still open to listening to offers for Duran from elsewhere, but if happy spenders Chelsea are put off then it’s unlikely other clubs will agree to the £40 million demands. Duran has scored eight goals for Villa in 49 games since signing for £14.75 million from Chicago Fire.