Everton boss Frank Lampard has revealed that Anthony Gordon's potential move to Chelsea was 'never close' this summer despite bids being rejected.
At least two offers from Chelsea were turned down by the Toffees, who were believed to be demanding one of Conor Gallagher or Armando Broja as part of the deal.
The Blues were unwilling to comply and Gordon ended the transfer window as an Everton player despite his alleged wish to join Chelsea.
Advert
The Blues managed to bring in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in attack and retained the services of both Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech.
Callum Hudson-Odoi was granted an exit on a loan basis, joining Bayer Leverkusen for the season.
Despite Chelsea's efforts to bring in 21-year-old Gordon, Everton boss Lampard has now admitted that a deal was never close.
Advert
Speaking to the press, as quoted by BBC Sport, Lampard said:"It never got close to happening and that is great because it has shown where we are coming from and it shows where Anthony is mentally as a player."
Chelsea could look to return to Gordon in the future and will no doubt keep an eye on his progress in Merseyside.
Tuchel admitted that he was pleased to rebuild his squad this summer as Chelsea broke their previous record for spend in a signle window.
He said: “(Broke the transfer record?) Oh really? We can discuss if we over spend or if it is too much money for the players but the players we got are very very good players, very good personalities.
"Everything was desperately needed to rebuild the group and inspire the group. I think we did excellent signings. It does not help if we talk about the price too much. It’s maybe hard to argue this is way too much money, okay.
Advert
"This is how the market was for us. Maybe we were not in the perfect position to always find the right timing and price.
"That’s nobody’s fault. The players we got fit perfectly. I am very happy to work with this group.”
Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Marc Cucurella, Carney Chukuemeka, Aubameyang, Wesley Fofana and Denis Zakaria all joined the Blues' first team squad.
Advert
Tuchel will be hoping that he has enough in his team to challenge on all fronts this season.
Chelsea will be looking to get back to winning ways and set the record straight against West Ham on Saturday, currently sitting on seven points in five matches.
They then open their Champions League campaign on Tuesday against Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia, looking to put a good run together in the competition.
Topics: Chelsea, Frank Lampard, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Everton, Anthony Gordon, Football, Premier League
Nick Emms