Chelsea may have an issue when it comes to paying the wages of their summer transfer target.
The Blues are reportedly chasing this signature of a Premier League attacker, but will the finances get in the way of any deal happening?
According to The Daily Mail back in April, Chelsea have the second highest wage bill in the entire Premier League. There’s a wage bill of £404m at Stamford Bridge, which is just behind top of the list Manchester City (£422.9m).
Chelsea have completed the signing of Tosin Adarabioyo so far this summer on a free transfer. How many more will follow him through the entrance doors, though?
Chelsea face potential problem with £40m target
The Guardian claims that Chelsea are uncertain over whether to advance with their move to sign Aston Villa’s £40m-rated striker Jhon Duran.
It is understood that the Blues have permission to negotiate with the 20-year-old target.
The report says that the centre-forward’s wage demands may be a potential obstacle in any deal. Apparently, Chelsea are attempting to reduce their wage bill.
However, there’s still a ‘good chance’ that parties will find in agreement and Duran will sign at Stamford Bridge.
This comes after The Telegraph reported on Friday that Chelsea have ‘broadly agreed’ a deal worth up to £40m for Villa frontman Duran.
Is Jhon Duran the right plan?
While Duran is a highly-rated young forward with bags of potential and quality, Chelsea will look a bit foolish if he’s there only signing this summer in the No 9 position.
He’s yet another raw talent that can hardly be expected to rock up and make an immediate huge impact in the starting XI.
Described as “fantastic” by Wilberth Perea via Sky Sports, Duran would surely be no more than a squad player next season.
The Colombian forward scored eight goals in 37 Villa matches last season, but he played a support role as the second striker option behind Ollie Watkins.
READ MORE: How Jhon Duran feels about the idea of joining Chelsea this summer