‘They really try to sign me’ £25m star explains why he turned down Chelsea, deal

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We’re at that time of year when even a minor or medium-term injury can crush a player’s hopes of competing in this summer’s European Championships.

Christopher Nkunku’s Difficult Season

Christopher Nkunku might have made a triumphant return with a goal in Chelsea’s 2-1 midweek win over Brighton and Hove Albion, but France coach Didier Deschamps had legitimate concerns about selecting a player who has only started two Premier League matches in the 2023/24 season.

Notable Omissions from France’s Euros Squad

As a result, Nkunku, along with his Chelsea teammates Axel Disasi and Malo Gusto, has been left out of France’s squad for the Euros.

Another Unfortunate Exclusion

Adding to the list of those missing out is a promising young full-back who, due to a poorly-timed knee injury, won’t be joining Ronald Koeman’s team heading to Germany. Without that injury, his spot on the roster would have been almost certain.

Chelsea Move Uncertain for Quilindschy Hartman

In another scenario, Quilindschy Hartman, Feyenoord’s highly-rated left-back, would have dazzled at Euro 2024 before heading to Chelsea for pre-season. However, after opting to defer a decision on Chelsea’s offer in January, Hartman is now out of the Euros and sidelined for most of 2024 due to a severe knee injury suffered in March.

Hartman’s Reflections

Reflecting on Chelsea’s interest, Hartman told Goedemorgen Eredivisie, “I don’t think they want me now. But they really wanted me. It all started during the winter break when they approached Feyenoord. But at that time, I wasn’t ready. I had just broken into the first team, started playing regularly, and made it to the Dutch national team. The European Championship was also on the horizon. Feyenoord and I agreed to consider it in the summer, not immediately.”

Hartman, linked with Burnley and West Ham United last summer, is one of Europe’s most technically skilled young full-backs. Similar to Gusto, the 22-year-old Dutchman excels at delivering precise crosses into the box.

Hartman played a key role in ending Feyenoord’s five-year wait for Eredivisie glory in the 2022/23 season and notched seven assists before his follow-up campaign was cut short.

“Chelsea came back in recent months and still wanted me,” Hartman adds. “Unfortunately, things turned out differently. Now, I’m staying with Feyenoord, but it’s likely things would have been different otherwise. Chelsea wished me strength and assured me their interest remains.”

A Busy Summer Ahead for Chelsea

Chelsea’s interest in Hartman does little to clarify the uncertain futures of Marc Cucurella and Ben Chilwell. Cucurella has yet to convince, and Chilwell has endured another injury-plagued season.

According to HITC, Chelsea have secured one of their top targets, though it’s a forward, not a full-back. Estevao Willian is set to join from Palmeiras in a deal worth up to £60 million.

Chelsea are also on the lookout for center-forwards. Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is the primary target, but there is also interest in Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez, Sporting Lisbon’s standout Swede Viktor Gyokeres, and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. Sesko, who was scouted by Arsenal recently, scored in each of the final seven games of the Bundesliga campaign.