Chelsea and Barcelona learn transfer fee required to sign Aston Villa star Jhon Duran: Reports

Chelsea and Barcelona have reportedly learned the transfer fee required to sign Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran. The 21-year-old arrived at Villa Park from Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire in 2023 for a reported fee of around £18 million.

Jhon Duran has turned heads with his stellar performances for Aston Villa this season, registering 12 goals in 26 appearances across competitions. His impressive form has attracted attention from several prominent clubs, including Chelsea, Barcelona, and Borussia Dortmund.

Duran was already reportedly on the transfer target list of multiple clubs including the Blues and West Ham United last summer. However, the Envigado academy graduate's contributions this season have also added the Blaugrana and Die Schwarzgelben to his list of suitors.

According to Colombian journalist Pipe Sierra, Aston Villa have estimated Jhon Duran at £71 million this week amid increasing interest from top European sides. The report also claimed that Borussia Dortmund's interest led to the Premier League side putting a hefty price tag on the striker.

Duran is currently serving a three-match suspension as he received a red card in Aston Villa's 3-0 loss to Newcastle United in the Premier League on December 26. He is expected to return to the pitch in their league clash against Everton on Wednesday, January 15, at Goodison Park.

Jhon Duran's current contract at Aston Villa is valid until the summer of 2030. It remains to be seen if head coach Unai Emery is ready to let go of one of the important players of his squad with the second half of the season left.

---

Chelsea reportedly set to race Real Madrid and Barcelona to sign Franco Mastantuono

Chelsea are preparing to compete against Real Madrid and Barcelona to acquire Franco Mastantuono's signature, according to TEAMTALK. The 17-year-old started his senior career with River Plate last year.

Mastantuono's impressive display led many to consider him one of the brightest young talents in Argentina and it also caught several top clubs' attention. He registered three goals and three assists from 41 games for the senior side last season.

Chelsea, Barcelona, and Real Madrid are reportedly keen on signing the young talent as a potential long-term investment in their respective squads. However, Mastantuono has a release clause of £38 million, which can increase to £43 million by the end of the transfer window.

River Plate, meanwhile, are not keen on parting ways with Franco Mastantuono this month but might consider his departure later this year. The midfielder's contract at the Primera División side is valid until the end of 2026.