Deadline Day Blunder: Chelsea End Up With United Flop After Getting Rejected By Three Players
Reuters / Carl Recine
Chelsea left it late and well past the deadline as they signed English midfielder Danny Drinkwater from Leicester City.
Drinkwater joined the Blues for a reported £35m move after submitting a transfer request on Wednesday. The 27-year-old adds depth to Chelsea’s midfield and is considered to be a replacement for Nemanja Matic, who moved to Man Utd earlier this summer. Both Chelsea and Leicester City officially announced the deal which saw the player sign a 5-year contract.
After his move Drinkwater told the club’s official website, “I’m delighted to be a Chelsea player and can’t wait to get started. It has been a long journey to get here but I am very happy and am looking forward to helping the club win more trophies.”
Earlier it was reported that the midfielder arrived at Chelsea’s Cobham training complex just an hour before the deadline with the Foxes agreeing to deal late in the day. An extension up till 1 am for paperwork was applied and it was expected to be sanctioned by the FA. And now finally Chelsea have their man.
Reuters / John Sibley
Drinkwater played 218 games for Leicester that spanned over six years as he fetched 14 goals. He helped the side to win the 2015-16 league Premier League title and summed up to be the 2nd signing for Chelsea on a frantic deadline day. Drinkwater is now reunited with former teammate N’Golo Kante at Stamford Bridge.
Reuters / Tony O’Brien
Meanwhile, earlier the champions were in a spot of bother after missing out on striker Fernando Llorente, who joined Tottenham Hotspur instead and will be a back-up for Harry Kane. According to another report in Sky Sports, Everton’s Ross Barkley turned down Chelsea in a rather surprise decision after both clubs agreeing a deal and the player reaching London for a medical.
Reuters / Andrew Yates
Earlier in the day, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain turned down a move to join Chelsea despite a fee being decided with Arsenal as he opted for Liverpool instead. After a horrendous summer transfer window, the deadline day turned out to be a mixed one for the champions. Conte saw three players rejecting his side on the final day.
Written by Rajdeep Saha 
Sports journalist with stints across print, digital and television. Contribution to each medium has been thrilling. Experienced in writing for this passionate game called football. Journalist by choice and passion.