'It was put to me': The shock reason why Chelsea decided not to sign Jhon Duran from Aston Villa - journalist

https://cdn1.tbrfootball.com/uploads/27/2025/01/GettyImages-2196046294-1024x687.jpg

Jhon Duran looks set to take his talents to the Saudi Pro League as he is edging closer towards a move to Al-Nassr.

Duran has agreed a deal to join Al-Nassr worth £70 million including add-ons, despite emerging as one of the hottest properties in Europe this season.

Duran snubbed interest from Chelsea and Arsenal as he wishes to play his football in Saudi Arabia.

Chelsea would be disappointed about the Colombian striker’s imminent move, considering they lack a proven goalscorer in their ranks besides Cole Palmer.

Furthermore, Jhon Duran (12 goals) has outscored the Blues’ starting number nine Nicolas Jackson (nine goals) in all competitions this season — despite starting 14 less games.

IN ALL COMPETITIONSJHON DURANNICOLAS JACKSON
STARTS721
GOALS 129
ASSISTS5
Photo by Aston Villa/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images

Chelsea did not sign Jhon Duran because of his “character”

Duran has been labelled a “top finisher”, who has taken domestic and European football by storm by scoring goals for fun despite largely being an impact substitute for Unai Emery this campaign.

Even Arsenal reportedly enquired about signing Duran as he has the potential to become a world-class striker one day.

However, journalist Simon Johnson has revealed that in the summer, Chelsea backtracked away from their pursuit for the Aston Villa striker solely due to his character.

Johnson said on GiveMeSport’s ‘Market Madness’ show: “It was put to me that after doing more looking into him as a character as much as a player that Chelsea then decided perhaps not to go through with it. Now you can sort of question whether that’s the right decision now that the goals from Nicolas Jackson have tried and [Christopher] Nkunku’s future continues to be open to debate.”

Chelsea were huge fans of Duran, who they held in high esteem alongside Victor Osimhen.

Interestingly, Chelsea considered a swap deal to sign Duran as well, with them being willing to offer several of their players in a bid to secure his services. But ultimately, Enzo Maresca and Co decided not to make a move for the youngster.

Chelsea made last-minute contact to sign Jhon Duran

TBR Football exclusively revealed that Chelsea enquired Aston Villa about Duran while discussing Axel Disasi and Joao Felix’s potential moves to Villa Park.

In theory, the West Londoners fairly asked the question about the sought-after marksman’s availability as his priority was to sign for a club where he is granted regular playing time.

But Al-Nassr seem to have won the former Chicago Fire goalscorer’s heart.

Chelsea are in a fight to qualify for the Champions League next season as they are placed sixth in the Premier League currently and perhaps the addition of Duran, who Luis Diaz tipped for big things would have played a key role in helping them reach top four had they signed him in the summer.

PositionTeamPlayedMPWonWDrawnDLostLForGFAgainstGADiffGDPointsPts
6ChelseaChelsea23117545301540

×