Chelsea made an offer for Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte, but this was rejected out of hand, it has been revealed.
This comes as Thomas Tuchel’s side are on the search for defensive reinforcements this summer, losing both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen when their contracts at Stamford Bridge expired this summer.
The likes of Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, Juventus’ Matthijs de Ligt and Paris Saint-Germain star Presnel Kimpembe have been linked.
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However, it looks like Chelsea could be set to sign a Premier League defender rather than look abroad.
Latest reports stated that the Blues were advancing in talks for Nathan Ake this summer, looking to bring in the Manchester City central defender.
The 27-year-old was previously on the books at Chelsea, leaving in 2017 to join Bournemouth for first team football.
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Here, Ake impressed before earning a £41 million move to Pep Guardiola’s side.
However, the Dutch defender has been utilised heavily as a rotation option in Manchester.
Chelsea would likely guarantee Ake a key role in the defence, replacing Antonio Rudiger on the left hand-side of a back three.
This comes after Chelsea have agreed a fee with Man City ahead of a move for Raheem Sterling this summer.
The winger is set for his medical on Sunday before joining his new teammates on their pre-season tour of the USA.
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It was thought that a double deal could be done for Ake and Sterling, with Chelsea still chasing the defender.
However, it has now been revealed that Chelsea tried to sign a different defender from the Etihad this summer.
As reported by The Evening Standard, Chelsea made an approach for Laporte but Manchester City rejected the prospect ‘out of hand’.
The Blues are expected to sign Sterling and Ake instead, being successful in their pursuit of the pair.
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Laporte has since come out and committed his future to the Citizen’s, speaking to RMC Sport.
He said: "Four league trophies, yes, but that's eleven in all. It's not just the Premier League. It's very good for the club and for me. I'm happy to benefit people here too by bringing the Premier League trophy. It had never happened.
"So I'm super happy with this season that I've had, despite an injury at the end of the season. I was able to hold on until the end.
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"Yes (I am staying this season), I'm super happy and fit. The team too. There remains only the common objective, the Champions League, but we will do everything to get it this year.
"I still have three years of contract. I'm happy and the club too. "I played a lot of minutes: I am the central defender who had the most. I am a reference and I am very happy that the coach and Manchester City have confidence in me. So why not go on for a long time?"
Therefore, Chelsea look unlikely to sign Laporte in the summer transfer window, despite it being likely that Tuchel will search for two central defenders to replace the outgoing Rudiger and Christensen.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Aymeric Laporte, Manchester City, Transfers, Premier League, Football
Nick Emms