Transfer Centre

Chelsea 'made late deadline day bid for Sofyan Amrabat'

By Ben Sully | 02 February 2023

Chelsea chairman and co-owner Todd Boehly reportedly made an attempt to sign Sofyan Amrabat from Fiorentina on transfer deadline day.

Chelsea reportedly attempted to sign Fiorentina midfielder Soyfan Amrabat on transfer deadline day.

The Blues managed to strengthen their midfield on the final day of the January window, signing Enzo Fernandez from Benfica following drawn-out negotiations with the Portuguese club.

Fernandez's joined Chelsea for a British transfer record fee, taking the club's overall spending for the month to £323m.

The Blues recruited eight players in January, including Fernandez, Mykhaylo Mudryk, Benoit Badiashile, Noni Madueke, Andrey Santos and David Datro Fofana on permanent deals.

Malo Gusto also completed the transfer from Lyon before being loaned back to the French club for the rest of the season, while Joao Felix arrived on loan from Atletico Madrid.

Sofyan Amrabat warms up for Fiorentina in March 2021 © Reuters

However, it has now emerged that Chelsea tried to complete another transfer on the final day of the January window.

According to the New York Timess, Chelsea co-owner and chairman Todd Boehly attempted to sign Amrabat from Fiorentina.

The report claims that while his fellow co-owner Behdad Eghbali was in negotiations with Benfica over the deal for Fernandez, Boehly contacted Fiorentina about a loan proposal for Amrabat.

The Italian club indicated that they were reluctant to let the Morocco international leave, and informed Boehly that even if they were interested in selling, they would require a substantial fee.

Boehly reportedly informed Fiorentina that their valuation was unreasonable, which led to the Italian side asking the Chelsea chairman how he would feel if a club attempted to sign one of his players late in the transfer window.

Chelsea owner and chairman Todd Boehly pictured in the stands on August 27, 2022 © Reuters

As a result of the disagreement, negotiations over a deal did not progress any further and Amrabat remained with Fiorentina.

Chelsea were not the only side interested in the midfielder, though, as Barcelona were also believed to be keen on a loan deal.

Fiorentina maintained their stance, and subsequently rejected Barcelona's loan offer with an option to buy.

A recent report claimed that Amrabat was left 'devastated' and 'hurt' after failing to secure a move, while Fiorentina were left 'furious' by Barcelona's board members and Xavi, who reportedly called the 26-year-old throughout deadline day.

Amrabat has attracted widespread interest after featuring in all seven of Morocco's games at the 2022 World Cup, helping his country finish in fourth place at the tournament.

The midfielder, who has made 86 appearances for Fiorentina, is under contract until June 2024 with an option of a further year