Chelsea made an 'unthinkable' bid in an attempt to sign Juventus star Daniele Rugani, the defender's agent has revealed.
The Blues had a relatively slow start to the summer transfer window, with only Jorginho and Rob Green joining the club following Maurizio Sarri's arrival at Stamford Bridge.
However, Chelsea have been among the Premier League's busiest clubs with the deadline encroaching as Thibaut Courtois' replacement, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Mateo Kovacic were added to Sarri's ranks ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.
Sarri was also keen on landing a centre-back but his top target Rugani - who the Italian managed at Empoli - will continue as a Juventus player.
'Juventus have no desire to sell him, not even for a high price which, among other things, no-one in Italy could afford,' Rugani's representative Davide Torchia told RMC Sport.
'However, the player has never asked to leave. Only when a very important offer arrives is it normal to listen, but Juventus have rejected all kinds of offers to keep him in Turin.
'Chelsea made a really big bid, which was close to being unthinkable for me, but Juventus didn't relent.'
It appears Kovacic, who completed a season-long loan move to Chelsea, will be the club's final signing of the window.
'I am really happy and excited to be here at Chelsea. It is an amazing feeling. I will try to do my best for this club,' the Croatian told Chelsea's official website.
'It is a new league for me, the beginning is always tough but I am sure the coach and my new team-mates will help me and I am looking forward to a great season.'
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