New Paris Saint-Germain signing Nordi Mukiele has confirmed he rejected a late approach from Chelsea to seal his move to Parc des Princes.
PSG agreed a fee with Mukiele's now former employers, RB Leipzig, and then quickly agreed on a contract as well, but before he jetted off for his medical, the Frenchman was the subject of a late approach from Chelsea.
It amounted to nothing, however, with Mukiele arriving for his PSG medical just hours later and eventually completing his transfer.
Speaking to L'Equipe, Mukiele insisted he did not hesitate to snub Chelsea's advances.
"Honestly, no," he said when asked if Chelsea's interest led to any delays. "From the moment I had given my word to Luis Campos, at no time did I hesitate."
Listen now to 90min's Talking Transfers podcast, with Scott Saunders, Graeme Bailey, Harry Symeou & Toby Cudworth. On the latest show they discuss Cristiano Ronaldo holding talks with Man Utd over his future, Barcelona signing Jules Kounde ahead of Chelsea, Man City rewarding Phil Foden with a new contract and more. Available on all audio platforms and the 90min YouTube channel.
If you can't see the podcast embed, click here to download the episode in full!
Mukiele was also adamant that he has not joined PSG to play a substitute role and he intends to compete for minutes as either a centre-back or a right-back.
"In Leipzig, I was in competition with internationals," he said. "I come to play where the coach needs it, to help the team. And give the best version of myself.
"It must be said that in each major European club, you must have high-level players to win the biggest trophies. It's normal. I come here to play, to learn, to keep growing."
Source : 90min