Chelsea have been given a huge blow in their pursuit of Benjamin Sesko.

The RB Leipzig striker has made known his intentions to remain at Leipzig beyond this year.

Chelsea are still in the market for a striker ahead of next season, and are now being linked with Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran.

Duran joined Villa from Chicago Fire in January 2023 and scored five Premier League goals in his first full season for Unai Emery’s side, helping the club secure Champions League qualification.

Duran had in January admitted he was flattered by Chelsea’s interest.

“I remain focussed on Aston Villa. I am not aware of interest from AC Milan or Chelsea,” Jhon Duran told Colombian outlet Win Sports TV.

“They are giant clubs, and it would be a pleasure but I have no knowledge of anything.”

Duran’s agent, Jonathan Herrera, had also claimed Chelsea will remain interested in Duran even though Mauricio Pochettino is no longer at the club.

“The interest has always been there. The fact that Pochettino continues or leaves the club [shouldn’t affect that]. The one who wants him in the end is the club,” Herrara said.

“He is a player that if they change coach or not, we will see what happens, but there has always been interest. Let’s see how we can handle it and make sure Aston Villa are ready.”