Reports: Chelsea FC Snubbed By Paul Pogba In £62m Deal
Paul Pogba reportedly rejected a move to Chelsea FC in a deal worth £62m
Chelsea FC failed to land many of their big name targets in this summer’s transfer window. The club was linked with a range of footballing stars from Raphael Varane to Alexandre Lacazette but the only high-profile player who came to West London was Pedro.
Paul Pogba, meanwhile, was someone who was rumoured with a Stamford Bridge switch throughout the entirety of the summer and now reports claim that he in fact rejected Chelsea’s approaches.
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Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport (via The Independent) states that the Juventus midfielder had an opportunity to join Jose Mourinho and the Blues but ultimately turned down the chance.
"Despite Jose Mourinho’s summer-long pursuit of the 22-year-old, Pogba decided against a move a few days before the transfer window closed."
Furthermore, the deal would have seen Oscar head in the opposing direction reminiscent of an agreement that was touted towards the end of last season.
However, the ex-Manchester United man rejected a return to the Premier League, undoubtedly pleasing all those associated with Juventus.
This revelation may appear as an embarrassment for the Blues, after they failed to successfully court a number of top European stars. While the John Stones disappointment was more due to Everton’s stubbornness as opposed to uncertainty on behalf of the player, there were numerous other rumoured deals that never materialised.
Having said that, it may be that Mourinho and the Stamford Bridge officials did not feel the need to bring in expensive talent, but it seemed evident that they truly wanted Pogba.
Many pundits and fans are stating that the Blues will return and get their man in January or next summer, but if these reports are true then Pogba in a Chelsea shirt is unlikely at any point in the future. The Italian newspaper is stating that Juventus were willing to let the midfielder go, but it was Pogba himself who refused to leave.
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In the process he also turned down a salary of £8.7m a year!
If this story is grounded, then that is some decision by the Frenchman. After he left Manchester United largely because of an issue with the money they were offering, it appears as though Pogba has matured markedly during his time in Italy.
At the moment, the 22-year-old is the star man at Juventus Stadium and is centre of all that the Italian side do. Having narrowly missed out on an incredible treble with The Old Lady last season, it is almost as if Pogba feels that there is unfinished business.
On the other hand, this may also be representative of the direction in which the Premier League is headed. The quality has severely dropped in the last few years and England’s top teams just cannot go toe-to-toe with their European counterparts. While the best talent used to gravitate towards the Premier League, now they are choosing Spain, Germany and Italy instead.
This is perhaps another wake-up call for English football.
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