Jhon Duran has extended his contract with Aston Villa (Image: Getty)
Chelsea will be hoping that Jhon Duran’s new contract at Aston Villa does not make him unattainable in the future.
The Blues were desperate to acquire the services of a striker over the summer, with numerous options being explored, including Victor Osimhen, Jonathan David and Samu Omorodion.
Enzo Maresca’s side also made a move for Duran which would have seen Conor Gallagher – now at Atletico Madrid – head to Villa Park as part of the deal, but negotiations ultimately collapsed and the striker remained in the West Midlands.
Duran personally put himself in the shop window over the summer in the hope of securing a move elsewhere, but Villa’s reluctance to part ways with the 20-year-old has ultimately paid off for all parties.
The Colombia international put pen to paper on a new contract extension with Villa earlier this week which has seen his deal extended until 2030 and the forward rewarded for his performances with a wage increase. Duran has scored six goals in 10 appearances so far this season, including a stunner against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Chelsea will certainly have been impressed by what they have seen by their transfer target, though the striker extending his stay at Villa may strike fear into the hearts of Todd Boehly and co.
Michael Olise has been in flying form since joining Bayern (Image: Getty)
The new contract will give Unai Emery’s side immense power in negotiations if Chelsea look to reignite their interest in Duran, and the Stamford Bridge outfit are unlikely to be the only club to have shortlisted the ex-Chicago Fire star as a target on current form.
Villa president of football operations Monchi hinted previously that their No. 9 was in demand, claiming that he had snubbed over 40 approaches for the forward over the summer from around Europe.
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Jhon Duran tried to force a move away from Villa over the summer (Image: Getty)
Chelsea will therefore be hoping that history doesn’t repeat itself given that they have missed out on one of their top targets to another European giant due to a contract extension – Michael Olise.
The Frenchman was the Blues’ top target last summer but he snubbed the approach in favour of extending his contract with Crystal Palace. Olise then enjoyed another campaign at Selhurst Park before joining Bayern Munich, and he has hit the ground running in the Bundesliga with six goals and three assists in nine appearances in all competitions.
Olise’s decision to remain with Palace will certainly not be forgotten by the higher powers at Chelsea, and they will be hoping that Duran’s decision to extend his stay with Villa will not see him head elsewhere as well.
