Chelsea explored the possibility of signing Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat as a deadline-day option, confirms Fabrizio Romano. However, this was before they completed the deal to sign Enzo Fernandez from Benfica for a British transfer record fee.
Chelsea Tried to Sign Fiorentina Midfielder Sofyan Amrabat in January
Chelsea explored Sofyan Amrabat as Deadline Day option before Enzo deal sealed — direct contacts took place… but Fiorentina were never open to let him leave on loan. 🔵🇲🇦 #CFC
Many top clubs will keep following the Moroccan midfielder for the future. pic.twitter.com/tFxEg9Jq56
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 7, 2023
Chelsea Made Direct Contact for Amrabat as Possible Enzo Fernandez Alternative
The Blues were active on deadline day after deciding to sell Jorginho to their arch-rivals Arsenal. Romano adds that they saw the Morocco midfielder as a possible alternative option to Fernandez, in case they couldn’t complete the deal for him.
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He also states that direct contact took place between the Blues and the representatives of Amrabat. However, Fiorentina themselves were never open to letting him leave the club on a loan deal for the second half of the current campaign – especially on deadline day when they’d have little time to find a replacement.
In the end, however, Chelsea ended up getting the Enzo deal over the line in the final hours of the January transfer window. The Argentine midfielder recently made his debut for the London side in their 0-0 draw against Fulham, impressing in his first game in England.
Amrabat Likely to Attract Major Transfer Interest in Summer Window
Romano also states that many top clubs from around Europe are following the situation of the Moroccan midfielder for the future. That means Fiorentina can probably expect some clubs to come back to sign him after this season is over, with the 26-year-old impressing many with his heroics at the World Cup.
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Amrabat was one of Morocco’s best players in the competition, featuring in every minute of all eight games for them and helping them become the first-ever African nation to reach the semifinals of the World Cup. He was dubbed ‘outstanding’ by ex-Chelsea winger Joe Cole for his impressive performance in his side’s win over Spain in the Round of 16 clash. At the domestic level, the midfielder has made 27 appearances for Fiorentina this season.
