Jhon Duran questioned after big-money Aston Villa transfer update emerges
Aston Villa would have the blow of losing Jhon Duran to Chelsea softened by the size of the fee they will receive, Alan Hutton has said.
The 20-year-old Colombia international scored five goals in 23 Premier League appearances last term, albeit only three were as a starter as he played second fiddle to Ollie Watkins at Villa Park.
According to reports from the Guardian (13 June), Chelsea have permission to discuss personal terms with Duran but are hesitating on the deal as they weigh up whether to meet the £40million price tag.
Hutton admits he is surprised by the fact Duran would want to make the move to Stamford Bridge but thinks the money involved coupled with the promise of more regular game time are his motivations.
Speaking to Villa News, Hutton said: “I think the fee softens the blow, I want him to stay, I like him, he can be rough around the edges but he gives you something a bit different.
“He’s aggressive in his play, he can hold the ball up, he shoots from absolutely everywhere – don’t get me wrong some of them don’t come off but some of just go flying into the top bin.
“But I think you can work with him, I think he’s going to get better and that’s what Chelsea see in him, they see an improvement.
“He’s only 20 years of age, he’s going to improve so I would have liked to seen him stay there.
“He must think he’s got a better opportunity at Chelsea to play football because why would you leave? I understand it’s Chelsea probably for big money, I understand that part of it but it comes down to playing at the end of the day and he’ll want to play as much as possible and he must feel he’ll play more there.”
Jhon Duran sale makes sense for Aston Villa
There is absolutely no doubt that Duran, still only 20, has significant potential and it is not exactly ideal to sell such a promising prospect.
On the other hand, Villa are trying to balance the books before the Profit and Sustainability accounting deadline at the end of June and Duran would add significant money to the balance sheets.
Moreover, he is unlikely to get in ahead as first choice striker over Ollie Watkins any time soon and Villa will be able to use any money from his sale on strengthening their squad for the Champions League.
From Duran’s point of view, he probably will have a better opportunity to nail down a regular spot at Chelsea than he will at Villa so, all things considered, it’s a deal that makes sense for all parties.
In other Aston Villa news, talks are being held with a view to replacing a key player in the long term.
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