Manchester United could be about to enter the fray for one player who Chelsea have been targeting.
After signing defender Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham, Chelsea have moved on to strengthening their attack.
They have been linked with a host of forward players, including Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran and Atletico Madrid’s Samu Omorodion.
There is a need for a new centre-forward after the Blues finished last season with Nicolas Jackson as the only recognised No.9 in their squad.
One option that they have looked at, though, could now end up at Manchester United.
Chelsea could watch striker join Manchester United
While Chelsea may be in need of another centre-forward, it does not look like they are going to go all out to sign one.
It has been reported that the Blues have actually cooled their interest in Duran.
It has also been claimed elsewhere that United could try and sign the 20-year-old this summer.
According to Colombian outlet Antena 2, Old Trafford is now an option for Duran after Chelsea’s stalemate in negotiations with Villa.
As per The Guardian, Villa value the Colombia international at £40m.
Chelsea would be better for Jhon Duran
Duran is unlikely to be a starter at either Chelsea or United.
At United, he could really find it difficult to get game time. Rasmus Hojlund cost the Red Devils £72m and is the main striker at Old Trafford. The United board are not going to want to see Erik ten Hag drop him.
Nicolas Jackson is a much fairer fight. He did not cost anywhere near as much as Hojlund; there is definitely scope to leave the 22-year-old out of the team if things start to go wrong. It will not be easy to do that with a £72m striker.
Ultimately, it is hard to imagine Duran starting the 2024/25 season as Chelsea or United’s first-choice No.9, with a move to the former now looking unlikely.