Chelsea failed in last-minute move for another striker on deadline day after Victor Osimhen rejection

Chelsea reportedly made a last-ditch attempt to sign another striker on deadline day after Victor Osimhen turned down a big-money move to Stamford Bridge.

At one stage, it looked like Chelsea were firmly in the race to sign Napoli forward Osimhen ahead of Friday's deadline as talks continued.

But the Blues failed to get a deal over the line, whilst Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli reached an agreement to sign the Nigerian on a permanent deal but opted to sign Ivan Toney instead.

Now, it has emerged that Chelsea made a late attempt to sign Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran before Friday’s 11pm deadline but their approach was dismissed.

That's according to HITC, who claim West Ham were also chasing Duran on Friday after they submitted a £35 million bid for the Colombian striker last month.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, had already decided to keep Duran – a player they valued at £40 million.

The 20-year-old publicly confirmed his desire to leave Villa during an interview with the Colombian press last month.

“I take it very calmly with the help of my agent and my dad, we are taking everything little by little," he said. “That my name is being mentioned by such big teams, it is very important for my career."

Duran added: “I’m happy that there are these rumours and let’s hope that something concrete happens.”

Unai Emery, however, was keen on the former Chicago Fire striker to stay at Villa Park.

Speaking after Duran scored a dramatic late winner against West Ham, Emery said: “We believe in him and his potential. We are open to working with him like he did today, helping the team, being available when we need him and today he was fantastic.

"Always I am very committed with him to get the best out of him as a player and even as a person. Some mistakes we have to accept and of course not repeat it. At the beginning I wanted him here and nothing changed after the match today."

Image credit: Getty

He added: “We were before, with every player, open in case a big offer comes in, and one of those players is him. But we know his potential and we know if he is leaving the offer is good for the club. But I don’t want him to leave.”