Transfer News: Jonathan Clauss has explained why he snubbed a move to Chelsea
Former Chelsea transfer target Jonathan Clauss has explained why he snubbed a move to the west London club this summer. The Blues were heavily linked with a move for the 29-year-old right-back.
Clauss was identified as a potential target to be the understudy for Reece James. The Englishman had picked up quite a few injuries during the end of the last season.
However, despite interest from the London club, the 29-year-old joined French side Marseille this summer. Now, he has opened up about why he snubbed the Premier League club.
Speaking in an interview with Info Sport, as quoted by Sports Witness (h/t football.london), the French international explained his decision.
“I didn’t want to sign for Chelsea to one day say, ‘I signed for Chelsea’. It was really to try and keep playing, to discover the Champions League. Marseille ticked all the boxes I was looking for.”
This was a shocking decision from the right-back, who had previously admitted that he was a Blues fan. He had also said that it was his dream to play for the west London club someday. But when the opportunity came, the player opted not to fulfil his wishes.
Maybe the right-back did not join because of game time. The 29-year-old has already established himself as a regular at the French club, starting in all 10 games for them in all competitions. Things would not have been the same if he had moved to the west London club.
Chelsea, meanwhile, bought in three new defenders, including a left-back in Marc Cucurella. No new right-back was bought in as such, but Cesar Azpilicueta extended his contract with the club after rumours about him leaving had been going around. The Spaniard is capable of playing in the right-back position too.
More Chelsea News:
- Antonio Rudiger surprised at the timing of Chelsea’s decision to sack Tuchel
- Chelsea target and Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele has a release clause valid for next summer
- Borussia Dortmund set an asking price of £131m for Chelsea target Jude Bellingham
While Marseille and Clauss have started off their league season very well, the same cannot be said for Chelsea. The west London side have won only three of their six games and currently sit seventh on the table with 10 points. Fans will hope for a turnaround once the league resumes after the international break.