Chelsea did make another attempt to sign Manchester City centre-back Nathan Ake, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Italian journalist says the Blues got back in touch with City this week to ascertain whether a deal for the £50m rated Dutch international was still possible:

“During this week, Chelsea wanted to change the strategy. Among many calls for centre-backs, Chelsea wanted to try one strategy, to go again for Nathan Ake. One month ago, Chelsea were really keen on Ake. They agreed personal terms with the Dutch centre-back. During the negotiations with Man City, they told Chelsea board ‘stop for Nathan Ake’ as they had no intention of accepting their latest proposal. Chelsea wanted to try again. They were prepared to submit a big proposal for Nathan Ake. They were prepared to tempt Manchester City with a new proposal.”

It appears, however, things got pretty complicated. City have been adamant all along that they needed to find a replacement for Ake before selling, but one of the main targets was none other than Jules Kounde; another player that Chelsea made a bid for before he joined Barcelona instead:

“Man City needed a replacement, and one of their names was Jules Kounde. But, everything was almost impossible to be completed because the answer of Kounde’s side was very clear. He only wanted Barcelona.”

To be honest, the Blues’ summer transfer strategy has been a mess. It’s not totally surprising considering co-owner Todd Boehly has taken on the responsibility of sporting director himself.

They have missed out on multiple targets, and it remains to be seen whether they can rescue the situation by bringing in some late arrivals before the transfer window closes next month.