Chelsea's Two Near-Misses That Could Have Shattered Premier League Transfer Records Forever
Iconic forward Sergio Agüero has disclosed just how near he came to signing with Chelsea in 2017, seven years following the Blues' initial attempt that almost secured the Argentine star.
Agüero continued his prolific scoring form through the conclusion of the 2016–17 campaign, netting 33 goals in 45 appearances for Manchester City as Pep Guardiola's team secured third place, trailing champions Chelsea by 15 points.
Antonio Conte, Chelsea's manager during that period, notably dismissed striker Diego Costa following that triumphant season via a direct text message, and Agüero has now disclosed he was originally targeted as Costa's successor in west London.
"I came extremely close to joining Chelsea, but Manchester City blocked the transfer at the final moment," Agüero shared with La Agusneta. "Conte was interested. Diego Costa was departing."
Agüero, celebrated as among the Premier League's finest-ever strikers, would score his remaining 82 goals from his club record total of 260 for City over the subsequent four seasons, while Chelsea opted for Álvaro Morata in a transfer that became disastrous.
Chelsea Missed Two Chances at Agüero
Chelsea Missed Two Chances at Agüero
The concept of Agüero wearing Chelsea's blue jersey appears nearly unthinkable, considering his extended tenure at Manchester City. He remained with the club for a decade after his 2011 transfer, though Agüero actually almost arrived in England one year prior.
Agüero told The Club that Chelsea's pursuit initially began in January 2010, soon after the Blues had encountered his former club Atlético Madrid in the Champions League.
"Following that match, perhaps two months later, my representative informed me, 'Chelsea have shown interest,'" Agüero disclosed.
"I discussed this with Frank Lampard since Frank Lampard had played for Manchester City. He mentioned that when I faced him, he advised Chelsea's coaching staff to pursue Agüero."
The Athletic additionally reported an official offer from Chelsea in 2010. The Blues came up short with a £30 million proposal—£8 million less than City's successful bid one year later—while owner Roman Abramovich was also frustrated by the agent's requirements.
Chelsea refrained from acquiring a new forward in the following months before finalizing their search for attacking options in January 2011. Twelve months after their unsuccessful Agüero chase, Chelsea shattered the British transfer record by securing Fernando Torres from Liverpool for £50 million.
Similar to what would occur with Morata in 2017, Torres delivered nowhere near the excellence Agüero achieved at City. 172 matches produced merely 45 goals as the Spanish striker became synonymous with disappointment, while City's signing of Agüero remains celebrated as one of the division's greatest-ever acquisitions.