Chelsea they asked Premier League rivals Aston Villa about signing a contract with their player in the January transfer window, with the manager Enzo Maresca said what is needed for a potential mid-season deal.
Chelsea could sign a new striker this month if Christopher Nkunku leaves
After missing out on Napoli star Victor Osimhen, who eventually sealed a season-long loan move to Galatasaray, it was believed the West London side’s potential move for a new striker would likely have to wait until the summer rather than January.
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So claims a reliable journalist Simon Phillipsbut in a new twist this week, the same source reports that could change if Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku decides to pursue a move in earnest before February 3rd.
The Frenchman is one of Maresco’s top scorers in all competitions, has a serious impact from the bench in the European Conference League as well, but is not exactly a mainstay in Chelsea’s ‘A team’ – as he has only started three Premier League games from his 15 appearances in the best leagues this term.
|
Chelsea’s next matches in the Premier League |
Date |
|---|---|
|
Bournemouth (home) |
January 14 |
|
Wolverhampton Wanderers (home) |
January 20 |
|
Man City (away) |
January 25 |
|
West Ham (away) |
February 3 |
|
Brighton (away) |
February 14 |
This has apparently “frustrated” Nkunku behind the scenes, and while he isn’t exactly pushing for moves at this stage, he is open to a move away from Stamford Bridge in the winter (Simon Phillips).
Chelsea have been contacted by a number of parties regarding the 26-year-old’s availability, and if his transfer were to go through, then fellow sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley would be seriously looking to replace him (Simon Phillips).
The versatile forward is currently on £195,000-a-week at Cobham, so Chelsea would take a seismic chunk out of the wage bill and save money on a player Maresca used sparingly in the Premier League.
As for who Chelsea could replace Nkunku with, it is believed to be yes Maresca is still very interested in signing Ipswich Town striker Liam Delapand the club are serious candidates to take the England U21 international away from Portman Road.
Chelsea are closing in on Aston Villa over signing John Duran in January
According to CaughtOffside this week, another potential replacement for Nkunku comes in the form of the Aston Villa starlet John Duran.
The Colombian’s 12 goals in all competitions mark him as a key player for Unai Emery and he appears to have rejuvenated his career in the Midlands after reportedly coming very close to leaving last summer.
He was awarded a brand new one £75,000-a-week deal earlier this season for his excellent 24/25 so far and Chelsea officials have taken serious notice of the 21-year-old’s exploits.
CO claim that Chelsea approached Villa about signing Duran in Januaryin order to assess the terms of a potential job. Emery’s side clearly won’t sell for a penny less than £60m, and this might actually seem like good value on paper given Duran’s dizzying potential, young age and return this term.
However, PSG are apparently considering a high price in the region of wanted Villa, so Chelsea may have to make a decision on “special“striker very quickly.
