CHELSEA are considering a shock transfer for Aston Villa star Jhon Duran, according to reports.
The Blues are in the market for a striker with Nicolas Jackson absent due to his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Mauricio Pochettino will likely call upon Armando Broja in his absence but Chelsea want to add to their attacking ranks.
Duran is one target they have in mind as a potential short-term option, according to reporter Nathan Gissing.
The Colombian has failed to start a single Premier League game for Villa this term but does have two goals in 17 substitute appearances.
He has a total of four goals for the Villans following his 2022 move from MLS side Chicago Fire.
Chelsea were linked to Duran before his £18million move to Villa Park last January.
Liverpool and Manchester United were also said to be interested in the forward.
Chelsea are in need of more firepower up-front after Christopher Nkunku suffered another injury.
The attacker has missed the last three games with a hip problem that Pochettino described as ‘worrying’ last week.
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But in a welcome twist, Nkunku’s injury seems to have settled down and he is even being pencilled in to resume training with his team-mates later this week.
The France international had only just returned from six months out with a knee injury and is yet to complete a full 90 minutes for the Blues.