Chelsea chief Todd Boehly takes unusual approach to Jhon Duran negotiations

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has reportedly scaled back his approach to big money transfer deals as the club close in on the signing of Jhon Duran. The Aston Villa striker is expected to join the Blues in a £40million deal this summer, having found his first team opportunities limited under Unai Emery.

Dhuran, 20, arrived at Villa Park in January 2023 in a £14.75million deal from Chicago Fire.

But the Colombian international has managed just eight club goals since, although came off the bench to bag a brace in the thrilling 3-3 draw with Liverpool in May to remind potential buyers of his ability.

However, according to the Telegraph, a deal is long way from being complete due to Boehly’s apparent change in negotiating tactics. The American has spent lavishly since taking over from Roman Abramovic, splashing out over £1billion in transfer fees.

Many of his purchases though, have been deemed unsuccessful. And the club’s policy of signing players for inflated fees and putting them on big wages has led to scathing criticism from fans and pundits.

And with the club also needing to avoid falling foul of profit and sustainability rules, Boehly is said to be taking a more cautious approach in his pursuit of Duran. Chelsea have reportedly opened talks over personal terms with the forward, and will carry out background checks before pressing on with any deal.

Chelsea also reportedly intend to put Dhuran on “a long, incentivised contract” to guard against the player becoming demotivated or picking up big wages when underperforming. It contrasts the nature of recent deals, with the likes of Mykhailo Mudryk handed lavish wages over eight years.

And new manager Enzo Maresca is not expected to be given the same licence to spend as previous bosses Mauricio Pochettino and Graham Potter. Indeed, his first signing, Fulham centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo, was a free transfer with the player out of contract.

The club have also been linked with another free agent in Mats Hummels. The 35-year-old confirmed on Friday he would be leaving the German club, and is perceived to be an experienced replacement for the departed Thiago Silva.

A sale would also of Duran would suit Villa, who themselves are battling to adhere to financial fair play regulations. That’s despite qualifying for the lucrative Champions League for the 2024/25 campaign.

Chelsea meanwhile, will compete in the Europa Conference League. That notion itself has served as a financial blow to the club, given under UEFA rules, it restricts the amount of revenue they are permitted to spend.