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Chelsea 'to return for Antonio Nusa after £23m deadline day bid rejected'

By Ben Sully | 07 September 2023

Chelsea 'to return for Nusa after £23m deadline day bid rejected'

Chelsea are reportedly keeping tabs on Club Brugge youngster Antonio Nusa after failing with a late £23m bid in the summer transfer window.

Chelsea are reportedly still interested in signing Club Brugge winger Antonio Nusa after their £23m deadline day bid was rejected.

The Blues splashed out £434.5m on new signings in the summer transfer window, taking the club's spending since Todd Boehly's takeover past the £1bn mark.

Axel Disasi, Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo, Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku were among those to complete moves to Stamford Bridge over the summer months.

England Under-21 international Cole Palmer was Chelsea's final signing of the transfer window, joining Mauricio Pochettino's side in a deal worth up to £42.5m.

While Palmer completed a move to West London on deadline day, the Blues failed in their bid to make another late addition to their squad.

Cole Palmer signs for Chelsea on September 1, 2023 © Chelsea FC

According to the Evening Standard, Chelsea submitted a £23m deadline day bid for Nusa, which was subsequently rejected by Club Brugge.

Chelsea discussed the possibility of sending Nusa back to Club Brugge on a loan deal, but ultimately, no agreement was reached between the two clubs.

The report claims that even if Chelsea were successful with their proposal, any potential move would have been dependent on either Ian Maatsen or Conor Gallagher leaving the club.

Although the pair were linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge, they have remained part of Pochettino's squad.

Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino during defeat to Nottingham Forest on September 2, 2023. © Reuters

Despite failing with their late offer, the Blues are keeping tabs on the 18-year-old and could renew their interest in the future.

However, should they return to the negotiating table with a future bid, Chelsea are likely to face intense competition for the player's signature.

Nusa, who has earned a reputation as a skilful and pacy winger, is currently being monitored by scouts from at least 20 other clubs.

The youngster has featured regularly for Club Brugge this season, scoring one goal and providing two assists in 10 appearances across all competitions.