Here we go!Chelsea reach agreement with powerful Premier League striker dubbed the next Drogba.”Chelsea have reached an agreement to sign an experienced Premier League striker, who is widely hailed as the next Drogba, for a fee of €40 million. The medical is scheduled to take place shortly before the official announcement.

Chelsea have reached an agreement in principle with Aston Villa for the acquisition of 20-year-old Colombian striker Jhon Duran. Personal terms between the player and Chelsea were settled several weeks ago. The move comes at a critical juncture for Aston Villa, who are urgently seeking to offload a player before the end of June to avoid breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Villa’s financial situation is precarious, with reports suggesting they are nearing their PSR limit following substantial losses amounting to £119 million in their latest financial accounts for the 2022-23 season.

Duran, originally signed from Chicago Fire for €18 million in January 2023, has since made 49 appearances for Villa, netting 8 goals. His addition to Chelsea’s squad is aimed at providing competition for Nicolas Jackson, whose recent form has been marked by inefficiency in front of goal. Known for his impressive physical attributes, Duran combines notable strength with exceptional pace, rendering him a formidable force in the attacking third. His speed allows him to outrun defenders, while his strength enables him to effectively hold up play.

Chelsea’s interest in Duran underscores their strategy of bolstering their forward line with physically imposing strikers. Among their long-term targets in this position are Osimhen, Sesko, Gyokeres, and Solanke, indicating a preference for strikers who can both finish clinically and withstand physical challenges. This approach aims to complement their existing squad dynamics, ensuring versatility and depth in offensive play.