Ex-PL CEO: Chelsea paying '£15m' too much for PL star after 'agreement in principle'

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed Chelsea will be overpaying for Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran if they seal a £40million deal for the striker.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – insisted the 20-year-old is still “unproven” and an “up-and-coming talent”.

Football Insider revealed last week (16 June) that Chelsea are in advanced talks with Aston Villa to sign Duran for £40million.

The Colombia international has reached an “agreement in principle” over personal terms ahead following negotiations.

The deal has subsequently stalled but it has not yet collapsed and all parties are hopeful a full agreement can be secured.

Duran started just three Premier League games in the 2023-24 campaign and hit eight goals in 37 appearances across all competitions.

Chelsea paying £15m over the odds for Duran – ‘he’s not the answer’, says Wyness

He cost Villa a reported fee of just over £17million in January 2023 and the Midlands giants stand to make a huge profit if he is sold.

Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “I’m surprised.

“Certainly, he’s shown flashes – but he hasn’t yet shown consistency, although he’s not really had the playing minutes to do it.

“He’s up against Ollie Watkins, who has been in form.

“The price I’m seeing, £40million, is really surprising. For me, he’s still an up-and-coming talent but hasn’t shown that he can be a top scorer.

“I would’ve thought it would be around the £25-30million mark after add-ons.

“He’s an unproven asset, and I don’t necessarily think he’s the answer for Chelsea in attack.

“I’m sure they’re still kicking themselves about Lukaku, and some of their other signings also haven’t come off.

“Chelsea have to hit the ground running. They should be looking to buy a number-one striker, and that’s what they’re hoping for.

“I’d expect him to come straight into the side if he does sign.”

In other news, Chelsea close in on landmark signing after new talks.

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