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Chelsea: Pedro Lima close to Strasbourg deal as Blues retain Jhon Duran interest

Sport Recife full-back Pedro Lima is moving closer to joining Strasbourg under Chelsea’s BlueCo ownership banner.

The 17-year-old right-back is known to be excited by a pending switch to France’s Ligue 1 side, who fall under the Chelsea ownership umbrella.

Lima has already earned Under-17 honours with Brazil and is regarded as being among South America’s brightest crop of young emerging talents.

While Lima is not expected to make a move to Chelsea, the Blues’ owners will keep a close eye on his development.

Chelsea have already signed young South American stars Andrey Santos, Deivid Washington, Angelo Gabriel and Kendry Paez.

A deal for Estevao Willian is understood to have been agreed some weeks ago, with the 17-year-old from Palmeiras’ £29million move inching closer to completion.

Chelsea are continuing to assess options for a new striker signing this summer.

Target: Chelsea remain interested in a deal for Aston Villa’s Colombian striker Jhon Duran (Evening Standard)
Target: Chelsea remain interested in a deal for Aston Villa’s Colombian striker Jhon Duran (Evening Standard)

The Blues have retained their interest in Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran, that was first raised in January.

Chelsea and Villa would be expected to strike a deal for the 20-year-old Colombia striker, should the Blues press ahead.

Duran joined Villa in an £18m deal in January 2023, and scored eight goals this season.

The former Chicago Fire striker is understood to be keen on a Chelsea switch, and Villa are prepared to make sales this summer to comply with Premier League profit and sustainability rules.