‘Behind the scenes’ — Romano finally reveals Chelsea wanted to complete £50m bid on deadline day

The transfer window has closed, so you’d think that maybe Fabrizio Romano would take a day off, but no. He’s now chattering about transfers that almost happened, as well as those that did.

In Saturday, he’s claimed that Chelsea made a £50m deadline day bid for Romeo Lavia, just days after he scored for Southampton against us.

Behind the scenes. Chelsea wanted to sign Romeo Lavia on Deadline Day with £50m verbal proposal rejected by Southampton — of course, he’s untouchable. 🚨🔵 #CFC

Southampton invested £12m plus add-ons for Lavia — and Man City have £40m buy back clause. pic.twitter.com/6oo1Rre2mt

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 3, 2022

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The midfielder only just joined the Saints from Man City this summer, but given he hadn’t played for his old team this year, he could still technically have played for us too.

But it was never going to happen – Man City have a £40m buyback clause in the teenager’s contract, and given how well he’s started the season in the Premier League, they surely would have activated that rather than let him move to us.

So the whole thing is rather fantastical all round.

Still, at least it gives Fab something to write about