Jean-Michel Aulas Says Chelsea Rejected Chance to Complete Nabil Fekir Transfer

Chelsea turned down the chance to sign Nabil Fekir from Lyon this summer, according to the French club's president, Jean-Michel Aulas.

Fekir, who was part of the France squad that won the 2018 FIFA World Cup, was the subject of constant transfer speculation during pre-season. In addition to the Blues, Liverpool were heavily linked with a move for the player.

Aulas revealed that the club was resigned to losing its star attacker, although Chelsea decided against making a move for the Frenchman, per Chris Burton of Goal.

"In the beginning, when we thought about our summer transfer window and how to organise the future squad, we thought that [Fekir] was practically gone," he said. "That's why we have been able to adapt things. We spoke with Chelsea representatives, and they had no interest at all in him. From then on, we realised we could change our plans [as he would stay]."

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As Burton noted, Liverpool appeared set to complete the signing of Fekir, but issues came up during the Lyon man's medical, and the deal fell through.

After Real Madrid activated their buyback clause in Mariano Diaz's Lyon contract on Thursday, the French club will be delighted to have keep one of its other stars around.

Fekir didn't start a game for France in Russia, but his inclusion in Les Bleus' star-studded squad is indicative of the excellent season he had ahead of the tournament. These figures show just how effective he was in the final third for Lyon last term:

The France international was the man who knitted together an exciting Lyon attack also consisting of Memphis Depay, Bertrand Traore and Mariano.

Technically, there aren't many better players in French football, while he also showcases awareness and intelligence on the ball.

Still, Fekir will have even more responsibility this season following Mariano's departure. Manager Bruno Genesio has challenged the Lyon skipper to repeat the standards set last season:

While there's no doubt Fekir is a huge talent, it's difficult to see where he would fit into Maurizio Sarri's Chelsea side. The Lyon man is at his best as a No. 10 or as a support striker, positions the Italian doesn't tend to use in his 4-3-3 setup.

After what would've been a draining pre-season, there will be a focus on Fekir's response. Provided he hits the same heights again in 2018-19, there will surely be more interest in him at the end of the campaign.