One Chelsea target has now demanded that his agent seek a move to the club this summer amid continued interest from Enzo Maresca’s side.
Maresca’s appointment will likely result in a shift to the playing philosophy at Stamford Bridge, a subtle change from Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure.
Under Maresca, Chelsea are expected to focus on positional play, putting a real emphasis on keeping the ball.
Perhaps that is good news for the likes of Enzo Fernandez, a big-money signing who has still struggled to show his best in blue.
Of course, Pochettino’s high-pressing attacking brand of football was earning a lot of plaudits towards the end of the season, demonstrating the risk attached to changing managers.
This new era under Maresca will require new signings, with the Italian thought to want a sweeper-keeper, a left-back and a striker.
And in a summer in which Chelsea could sell four players fairly promptly, those who follow the club may believe Maresca’s demands are quite reasonable.
Adding a striker will need to be a priority, and although RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is thought to be Chelsea’s focus, one name won’t go away.
Jhon Duran has told his agent he wants to leave Aston Villa to join Chelsea
Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran was linked with a move to Chelsea back in January, appearing to be a player liked by the London club’s recruitment team.
And according to Sunday’s printed edition of The Mirror (09/06, page 72), Duran has now told his agent he wants to leave Villa for Stamford Bridge.
Duran hasn’t been able to become a regular starter under Unai Emery despite his talent, simply because of Ollie Watkins’ excellent form.
And fortunately for Duran, Chelsea do retain an interest in the striker after considering a January move as mentioned.
Of course, with Villa interested in Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher, it’s perhaps not beyond the realms of possibility that the two clubs could execute a swap deal.
Gallagher may still be reluctant to leave his boyhood club, but there’s certainly no such reticence in Duran’s mind regarding a switch.
In fairness, the ‘outstanding’ 20-year-old does deserve more starting opportunities, but is simply a victim of circumstance at Villa Park.
In terms of other players Chelsea are exploring a move for right now, Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise seems high on the shortlist.
But to that end, Theo Walcott has actually just claimed that Chelsea already have a winger better than Olise.