Fabrizio Romano drops huge Aston Villa and Chelsea transfer update

The Italian transfer news journalist has confirmed reports emerging out of Colombia on Tuesday night had some truth as talks are said to be ongoing between Villa and Chelsea.

A report from Colombian publication En La Juganda RCN claimed an agreement had been reached for Villa to sell Duran to the Blues for a fee close to €50 million (£42.1 million). Romano, likely prompted by the story beginning to trend, has now provided his own update on the situation.

“Negotiations between Chelsea and Aston Villa for Jhon Duran are ongoing, after initial contact when Villa asked for Conor Gallagher,” Romano posted to X. “Duran wants Chelsea, he’s giving them priority over Italian clubs; understand terms of his potential contract are already being discussed.”

The 20-year-old, who arrived from Chicago Fire for £18 million just 18 months ago, has made 49 senior appearances for Villa but most have been as a substitute, accumulating to just 1,097 minutes. The Colombia international has scored eight goals, including two in the UEFA Europa Conference League.

If the £42.1 million sale fee is to be believed, Villa will be left £24.1 million in the green. This would be a huge help to Villa as they are currently on course to breach the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules, with sanctions possible. Duran’s sale should be enough to at least revoke fears of punishment.