Chelsea spent the final hours of deadline day searching for a midfielder after agreeing Enzo Fernandez’s departure to Manchester City.
The Argentine completed a £125 million move, leaving Xabi Alonso’s side needing another option in the middle of the pitch.
Chelsea initially focused on Lamine Camara and reached a £47 million agreement with Monaco for the Senegal international.
However, Monaco pulled out shortly before the deadline, forcing the Blues to consider alternative targets before the English window closed.
Chelsea had also identified another Premier League midfielder who could strengthen Alonso’s squad and provide additional versatility.
According to talkSPORT, Chelsea made a late attempt to sign Everton midfielder James Garner on deadline day.
The Blues were reportedly prepared to pay £65 million for the 25-year-old as they explored alternatives to replace Fernandez.
Garner appealed to Chelsea partly because of his versatility, with the former Manchester United youngster also capable of providing cover at right-back.
However, Everton refused to entertain offers for the England international so late in the transfer window.
The Merseyside club had little time to find a replacement, while Garner remained settled at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
As a result, Chelsea failed to complete the move and finished the window without adding another midfielder after Fernandez’s departure.
The failed approach followed a hectic final day in which Chelsea also saw their proposed Camara transfer collapse.
That left Alonso with Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia among his existing midfield options heading into the next phase of the season.
They have also made contact with a former Liverpool midfielder as an alternative option for their midfield problems.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have made a perfect start to their Premier League campaign under Alonso.
The Blues opened with a 3–2 away victory over Fulham before defeating Brighton & Hove Albion 4–3 at Stamford Bridge.
They therefore have six points from their opening two league matches ahead of their upcoming clash with Arsenal.
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