Chelsea offered Juventus N’Golo Kante in a swap deal for 23 years talented star
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De Ligt emerged as a significant target for the Blues during the early parts of the transfer window as they tried to add new defenders for the season.
Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen have both left Chelsea for Real Madrid and Barcelona, leaving the west London club devoid of defensive options.
Despite their efforts to attract de Ligt to Stamford Bridge, he chose to join Bundesliga powerhouse Bayern Munich.
Chelsea quickly added Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana as new centre-backs, while Marc Cucurella bolstered their defence.
However, it is now evident that Graham Potter’s side were eager to sign the defender, and they were willing to move one of their top players the opposite way to do so.
Chelsea offered Kante to Juventus in a prospective swap deal for de LIgt, according to CalcioMercato.
Despite the attempt, the Italians rejected it, and the centre-back eventually went for greener pastures in Germany rather than England.
The Blues were also connected with Nathan Ake early in the transfer season, but despite the potential of a return to west London, he remained at Manchester City.
Chelsea did not just miss out on De Ligt during the transfer window.
Jules Kounde, a long-term target for the club, elected to join Barcelona, as did Raphinha, a former Leeds United winger.
The Blues also made a last-ditch attempt to sign Everton forward Richarlison, but the Brazilian instead joined London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
“I know Chelsea made an offer, and I believe Arsenal also called Everton to check about my condition,” he recently stated, “but Spurs stepped in and paid the money, you know?”
“It’s as easy as that.” To avoid a Financial Fair Play problem, Everton had to sell several players, and the conversations were, to be honest, extremely brief.
“I was on vacation in Brazil when I heard Tottenham had made an offer to Everton.”
“I was pleased since they had a large squad. Then it was up to the clubs to work out a contract, which luckily went well.
“During the discussions, Antonio Conte phoned me and stressed how much he wanted to have me on board – it was critical to my choice.”
Chelsea might be active in the market again in January, with Ajax’s Edson Alvarez being a target.
