Throughout the summer transfer window, Chelsea was heavily linked with Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran, as the club aimed to bolster their attacking options. Numerous reports indicated Chelsea’s interest in the Colombian forward, but despite the speculation, a transfer never materialized. As the window closed, hopes of Duran joining Chelsea seemed to fade.
However, Duran’s transfer story didn’t end there. West Ham emerged as a strong contender to sign the forward in January, seeking to improve their attacking depth in a bid to secure European qualification. The Hammers saw Duran’s unpredictable style and physicality as key attributes to help strengthen their frontline.
In a surprising turn, Duran opted for a move to Saudi Arabia instead of staying in the Premier League. Despite interest from English clubs, the 21-year-old is set to sign a lucrative contract in the Middle East, prioritizing financial gain over remaining in England. According to Sky Sports, the deal is almost complete, with medicals done and the final paperwork pending before Duran heads to sign the contract.
For Chelsea, missing out on Duran is a setback. The young striker could have offered the kind of unpredictable flair and physicality that Chelsea’s attack has occasionally lacked. Duran’s ability to stretch opposing defenses and his presence in the box could have added a new dynamic to the Blues’ front line, providing an alternative threat that might have complemented their current attacking players.
Despite the disappointment of missing out on Duran, there could be an upside for Chelsea. Villa is set to receive a fee in the region of €70 million for a player who has not been a regular starter under Unai Emery. This unexpected windfall could see Villa reinvesting in their squad, which could impact the transfer market.
This may give Chelsea the chance to act on their own transfer ambitions, with one player reportedly back on their radar: Joao Felix. Journalist Ben Jacobs has mentioned that Chelsea remains interested in Felix, particularly after Villa’s sale of Emiliano Buendia, which has created a gap in their creative options.
Chelsea’s previous loan of Felix didn’t go as planned, but there is still hope he could succeed in the right environment. However, securing his services could be complicated. Felix moved to Atletico Madrid for £45 million, and the Spanish club is unlikely to sell him for a significant loss.
That said, Felix has struggled to secure consistent playing time under Diego Simeone, and his frustration is widely known. If his role at Atletico doesn’t improve, his market value may drop, potentially opening the door for a more favorable deal.
The situation with Villa’s newfound financial flexibility could also work in Chelsea’s favor. If Villa strengthens their squad, Chelsea might find an opportunity to move for Felix or another potential target before the transfer window closes. Quick action and careful negotiations will be necessary for Chelsea to secure a deal, but the club’s transfer team will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on developments.
The chain reaction caused by Duran’s move to Saudi Arabia and Villa’s spending power could ultimately lead to Chelsea making a key acquisition in the final days of the transfer window.
