Chelsea could be ready to abandon their pursuit of one target this summer.
Following the signing of central defender Tosin Adarabioyo, Chelsea are now trying to strengthen their attack.
The Blues are said to be interested in both Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran and Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise.
Fabrizio Romano recently claimed that Chelsea are going to make a decision on Duran soon.
As for Olise, it has been reported that the Blues are willing to offer players in a swap deal for the winger.
Chelsea could turn to another target
Chelsea’s attack did pretty well last season, especially compared to the 2022/23 campaign.
In the Premier League, the team managed to score 77 goals. The season before, they only netted on 38 occasions.
Nevertheless, Chelsea still look keen on adding to their attack, which makes sense given that they are a bit light up front after finishing last term with Nicolas Jackson as their only recognised striker.
According to journalist Simon Phillips, though, they may pull out of the deal for Duran.
On Substack, Phillips wrote: “SPTC sources have heard Chelsea are ‘preparing’ to move on from the Jhon Duran deal after ‘zero’ advancements today [Monday].
“Not moved on yet, and still tentative talks; there could still be an agreement reached, we must be clear with that. But Chelsea closer now to walking away and turning to another target.”
Why Chelsea are right to consider pulling out of Jhon Duran deal
Villa reportedly want £40m for Duran. It is a lot of money for a 20-year-old who only made three appearances in the English top flight last season.
Chelsea already have Armando Broja and David Datro Fofana, who are not too much older than the Colombian, who has been hailed as a “special” player by his current manager Unai Emery.
Fofana scored four goals in 15 Premier League appearances in the 2023/24 campaign, one fewer than Duran, and only cost £10m, which is significantly lower than the Villa striker’s price tag.
The 21-year-old did make more starts, but if Chelsea are only looking for an alternative to Jackson rather than an upgrade, then it may be worth just keeping him around instead of spending £40m on someone like Duran.