According to Goal, Chelsea officials were in contact with Lyon over the summer concerning a move for Nabil Fekir, rated at £54m by Transfermarkt, but the Blues eventually decided not to pursue the Frenchman’s signature.

What’s the story?

Chelsea look to have had a golden opportunity to sign Fekir this summer, but opted not to make a move for the midfielder. 

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The 25-year-old was in scintillating form for Lyon last season, racking up 18 goals and laying on seven assists in 30 Ligue 1 appearances. His consistently excellent performances earned him inclusion in Didier Deschamps’ France squad at this summer’s World Cup in Russia, which Les Bleus went on to win.

Fekir has the quality to have a huge impact in the Premier League, and he deserves to be playing for a club that can compete at the very top of the game. Chelsea may not get another chance to land the talented attacker, and will likely rue letting him slip through their fingers.

Nabil Fekir playing for Lyon

Opportunity missed

Even though the Blues look to have retained the services of Eden Hazard and Willian (whilst the market remains open abroad, they could yet move), more firepower certainly needs to be added at Stamford Bridge.

Fekir is precisely the kind of quick, technical, attack-minded player who ought to thrive under new Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri. His versatility could’ve also made him an asset to the London club, as it would allow either him or Hazard to operate in a false nine role in place of the underperforming Alvaro Morata.

Now, though, Chelsea must work with what they’ve got - which doesn’t include Fekir. If their Spanish striker fails to fire soon, or injury strikes either Hazard or Willian, then the decision to not bring Fekir to the Bridge could soon come back to haunt them.