Coming live from Stamford Bridge, Chelsea is getting ready to take advantage of a €77 million transfer to Saudi Arabia to secure a lucrative deal for their out-of-favor fan favorite playmaker.

ive from Stamford Bridge, Chelsea is preparing to capitalize on a €77 million transfer to Saudi Arabia to secure a profitable deal for their out-of-favor fan-favorite playmaker.

PREMIER LEAGUE

Live from Stamford Bridge, Chelsea is gearing up to take advantage of a €77 million transfer to Saudi Arabia in securing a lucrative deal for their out-of-favor fan-favorite playmaker.

Written by LAVIZKID February 1, 2025

Jhon Duran’s Saudi Arabia Move: A Missed Chance for Chelsea but a Potential Transfer Trigger

Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran was heavily connected with Chelsea throughout the summer transfer window, as the Blues looked to strengthen their attacking options. Despite several reports suggesting that Chelsea had been monitoring the Colombian forward, no deal ever materialized. As the summer window ended, hopes of seeing Duran in a Chelsea shirt faded.

However, the interest in the young forward didn’t entirely disappear. West Ham emerged as a serious contender in January, actively pursuing Duran to boost their attack. The Hammers were eager to add firepower to their front line, believing the unpredictable and physically strong striker could be a key asset in their push for European qualification.

Duran Chooses Saudi Arabia Over the Premier League

Despite being linked with Premier League clubs, Duran seems to be heading toward an entirely different destination—Saudi Arabia. The talented but inconsistent forward is set to make a lucrative move to the Middle East, prioritizing financial rewards over remaining in England. According to Sky Sports, a transfer fee has been agreed upon, medicals have been completed, and the final step is for Duran to travel and sign the deal later today.

For Chelsea, this is a missed opportunity. Duran could have provided the much-needed dynamism and unpredictability in their attack, offering a different profile from their current strikers. The young Colombian’s ability to stretch defenses and his physicality in the box might have added an alternative attacking threat, something Chelsea has occasionally lacked this season.

Villa’s Unforeseen Financial Gain Could Influence Chelsea’s Transfer Strategy

Though losing out on Duran may be frustrating for Chelsea, the broader picture might still work in their favor. Aston Villa is expected to receive around €70 million for a player who has largely been a backup option for Unai Emery. This unexpected windfall is likely to be reinvested in the squad, as Villa looks to strengthen their team before the transfer window closes on Monday night.

For Chelsea, this could present an intriguing opportunity. The additional funds at Villa’s disposal could make them more active in the transfer market, which could, in turn, open the door for Chelsea to make their own moves. One name that has resurfaced in transfer speculation is Joao Felix. Journalist Ben Jacobs has confirmed that Chelsea “retain interest” in the Portuguese playmaker, especially after Villa recently offloaded Emiliano Buendia, leaving a creative gap in their squad.

Joao Felix’s Future: A Transfer Chain Reaction?

Chelsea’s interest in Felix is not new. The club had previously loaned the Portuguese attacker, and although his time at Stamford Bridge was mixed, there is still hope he could thrive in the right system. However, signing Felix won’t be simple. The 24-year-old joined Atletico Madrid for approximately £45 million, and the Spanish club will be reluctant to take a substantial financial loss on their investment.

However, the situation surrounding Felix’s future could work to Chelsea’s benefit. The attacker has struggled for consistent game time under Diego Simeone, and his frustration at Atletico has been widely reported. If his limited role continues, his market value might start to decline, potentially prompting Atletico to reconsider their position.

If Chelsea can take advantage of Villa’s newfound financial flexibility, they could find an opening to secure a deal for Felix. Selling him could benefit all parties—Atletico could free up wages, Chelsea could add a creative spark, and Felix himself could secure the fresh start he’s seeking.

Chelsea’s Next Move: A Tactical Opportunity?

While Jhon Duran’s transfer to Saudi Arabia means Chelsea must explore other options for attacking reinforcements, it might not all be bad news for the Blues. Villa’s unexpected financial boost could trigger a transfer domino effect that indirectly benefits Chelsea’s squad-building efforts.

If they act swiftly and leverage Villa’s spending power, they may be able to negotiate favorable terms for Joao Felix or another top target before the window closes. Securing a deal will require careful negotiations, but Chelsea’s transfer team will certainly be monitoring the situation closely, ready to pounce if the right opportunity arises.