Chelsea have learnt Manchester City's stance on a potential sale for Aymeric Laporte in addition to Nathan Ake this summer, as per a new report.
While the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Joao Cancelo having received their deserved props for a stellar season, a player whose standout displays have perhaps gone under the radar is Aymeric Laporte.
After falling behind John Stones and Ruben Dias in the pecking order for much of the 2020/21 season, the Spain international fought his way back into Pep Guardiola's starting XI last term.
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Taking Stones’ place alongside Dias for a majority of the past campaign, the 28-year-old remained an ever-present in defence as Manchester City retained the Premier League title for the second time under Pep Guardiola.
While there is a belief that some Manchester City supporters failed to appreciate Laporte’s excellence last term, a Premier League club certainly did as an update suggests that they were eyeing his addition ahead of the new campaign.
According to a new report by Alex Young of the Evening Standard, Chelsea made an approach to sign Aymeric Laporte this summer, which was eventually rejected by Manchester City.
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However, Laporte has gone on record to reveal how he feels settled at the Etihad Stadium off the back of a successful campaign, during which he amassed 44 appearances across all competitions for the Premier League champions.
“Four league trophies, yes, but that's 11 in all. It's not just the Premier League," the defender told French radio station RMC Sport this week.
"It's very good for the club and for me. I'm happy to benefit people here (in France) too by bringing the Premier League trophy.
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"It had never happened. 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."
Laporte was believed to be amongst several members of the Manchester City first-team squad open to leaving the club last summer, with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid amongst those understood to be interested in the centre-half.
The 28-year old added: “Yes (I am staying this summer], I'm super happy and fit. The team too.
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"There remains only the common objective - the Champions League, but we will do everything to get it this year.”
Laporte was also quizzed about a possible return to Ligue 1 further down the line, though he ruled out a move for the time being.
“For now, that's not the goal. I still have three years of contract (at Manchester City)," the four-time Premier League champion said.
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"I'm happy and the club too. I played a lot of minutes: I am the central defender who had the most (during the 2021/22 season).
"I am a reference and I am very happy that the coach (Pep Guardiola) and Manchester City have confidence in me. So why not go on for a long time?”
While Raheem Sterling and Nathan Ake look set to move to Chelsea, Aymeric Laporte will not join his fellow teammates in west London as he remains a crucial part of Manchester City’s plans heading into the new season.
Topics: Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Manchester City, Premier League, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Chelsea, Aymeric Laporte, Pep Guardiola, Transfers
Srinivas Sadhanand