Revealed: Chelsea REJECTED world-class midfielder this summer

Cameron Smith

Updated: 17 Sept 2023 16:07 BST
4 min read

Chelsea have spent over €1 billion since Todd Boehly became owner in 2022, but they reportedly rejected the chance to add Marcelo Brozovic to their midfield this summer.

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Brozovic, 30, left Inter Milan in August to join Cristiano Ronaldo at Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, but he could have been playing for the Blues this season.

The Croatia international joined Al-Nassr for just €18 million, which was a fairly modest fee given the huge investments made by clubs in Saudi Arabia this summer.

But, Brozovic was linked with a transfer to Chelsea before he agreed a move to the Saudi Pro League.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that Mauricio Pochettino’s side turned down the chance to sign the 30-year-old, despite being offered his services this summer.

Instead, they signed Moises Caicedo from Brighton & Hove Albion, Romeo Lavia from Southampton and Lesley Ugochukwu from Stade Rennais. That trio cost Chelsea a combined €205.1m.

Cole Palmer, who can operate in a more advanced role in central midfield, also arrived from Manchester City for €47m.

However, the Blues rejected the opportunity to sign Brozovic as they look to build a younger team with future talents.

Inter were keen to offer Brozovic to Chelsea in their attempt to sign Kalidou Koulibaly from the Blues. However, after the west London club passed up the opportunity to sign the Croatian star, Inter pulled out of a deal to sign Koulibaly due to financial reasons.

They were not able to match Al-Hilal’s €23m bid for the former Napoli defender.

Chelsea’s summer rejects

Furthermore, Romano revealed that Marco Verratti, Andre Onana and Dusan Vlahovic were also offered to Chelsea. However, the Blues opted against signing any of those three players.

Verratti has joined Al-Arabi, Onana signed for Manchester United and Vlahovic remains at Juventus.

After passing up on the chance to sign Onana, Chelsea added Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic. Nicolas Jackson was purchased as the club’s new number nine, rather than Vlahovic.