BREAKING NEWS: coming live from Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are reportedly targeting young South American sensation player as a potential short-term solution to their striker crisis. This player, who has been dubbed “one of the hottest prospects” in world football, has been impressing with his goalscoring exploits. Chelsea are desperate to bolster their squad in the January transfer window, and he could be a shrewd addition. The Colombian has been linked with several other top clubs, but Chelsea are thought to be leading the race for his signature. “Chelsea eye prolific South American sensation as emergency striker solution – ‘one of the hottest prospects’ in world football”.

Chelsea is actively seeking a new striker to reinforce their goal-scoring options, prompted by underwhelming performances from their current strikers. Manager Mauricio Pochettino, in the absence of Senegalese striker Nicolas Jackson due to AFCON commitments, turned to Cole Palmer as a false nine in the last two matches. However, Palmer struggled in the role, notably in front of goal against Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup.

Among other alternatives, Armando Broja is yet to regain his best form since a serious knee injury, managing just two goals this season. Christopher Nkunku has been sidelined for most of the season due to injury and is currently dealing with another knock.

Gissing reports that Chelsea is considering 20-year-old Colombian striker Jhon Duran as a short-term solution while planning to make a significant investment in a long-term striker during the summer window. Internal discussions have been held about a loan move for Duran to serve as a stop-gap until the end of the season.

Despite previous links to high-profile strikers like Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney, each expected to cost around £100 million, Chelsea is exploring more budget-friendly options for the current window. Karim Benzema and now Jhon Duran are among the names linked to the club.

It’s worth noting that Jhon Duran, signed by Aston Villa from MLS side Chicago Fire in January 2023, has not made a significant impact in the Premier League since his arrival. In the current season, he has scored two goals in 14 league appearances and an additional two in the UEFA Europa Conference League. Ollie Watkins is ahead of Duran in the pecking order at Aston Villa, and he has made just seven starts under Unai Emery this season.

Considering Duran’s status as a developing striker, similar to Chelsea’s own Broja, a move to Chelsea might not be the most opportune for him at this stage, given his challenges in finding his rhythm in European football.