Chelsea want £80m for PL star

Going into the 2024/25 campaign, it was clear Chelsea had the idea to bring another attacker through the door to compete with Nicholas Jackson. The 23-year-old started the season well, scoring nine goals and three assists in 20 appearances so far (1,485 minutes played).

But the Blues have failed to land another first-team striker option (not including Marc Guiu, an 18-year-old signed from Barcelona). This led to Christopher Nkunku is played outside the forward position for Enzo Maresca side, mainly as a reserve option in UEFA Conference League matches when Jackson rests.

The 27-year-old has in the current part of the season, he made 28 appearances in all competitionsscoring 13 goals and providing four assists, despite only starting three Premier League games.

But in January, Chelsea have an opportunity to address this, looking to bring a different striker profile to the club to provide competition for Jackson up front.

Chelsea are looking for a striker

Reports earlier this week suggested that Chelsea were among the clubs that did made an inquiry regarding the signing of Aston Villa sensation Jhon Duran, with Paris Saint-Germain currently leading the race for his signature.

In the meantime, the potential price has been revealed journalist Ben Jacobs claiming that Duran would cost around £80m this month, amid that interest from PSG in the 21-year-old striker.

So far this season, Duran has made 26 appearances in all competitionsscoring 12 goals in 976 minutes played. He could be the perfect replacement for Nkunka.

Comparing Duran and Nkunku

The Colombian centre-forward received “maverick” by Ben Mattinson, praising not only his immensely powerful shot, but also his physicality and the way he carries the ball. His unpredictable nature makes him “chaos” number nine, who adds a different dimension to the game when leading the line.

Duran could be the right man to replace Nkunku, provide competition for Jackson and offer something different with his style of play off the bench. Chelsea have struggled against ‘low block’ opponents in recent weeks and the 21-year-old could actually be a huge asset in breaking them down.

Duran and Nkunku are very different types of players, the first is the maverick/chaos type striker we talked about, while the second is more of a ‘shadow striker’ who wants to connect the game, play with other players and create not only for himself, but also others.

However, Jackson is also a complete forward type, who likes to drop deep and connect the play, often spinning his own player and leading the team forward. That ability to contribute in different phases of the game is why Jackson gets the edge over Nkunku, as he also works hard for the team off the ball, often leading reporters for Maresca’s side.

What Jackson doesn’t possess though is the same kind of box threat and aerial presence that Duran was able to bring, winning 3.11 aerial duels per 90 as well as having 6.67 touches in the opposition penalty area, harassing defenders in the penalty area and attacking crosses into the area .

Nkunku, who is better suited to play behind the forwards, might have to leave to get the minutes he wants – like is registered – since Cole Palmer is currently standing in his way in that part of the field.

Therefore, a move for Nkunku to leave and be replaced by Duran would suit all parties involved, which would have a positive impact on the squad’s composition.