"Money on the table" - Chelsea target Antonio Nusa speaks out on failed Deadline Day transfer

Antonio Nusa has spoken out after his Deadline Day move to Chelsea fell through.

As per the Evening Standard, Chelsea are continuing to monitor the situation of Nusa, having had a £23million bid for the player rejected by Club Brugge last Friday.

While Blues were looking to sign the winger ahead of rivals last week, the player would reportedly only have joined had Ian Maatsen or Conor Gallagher been sold.

Chelsea had also discussed the option of sending the 18-year-old back on loan to Brugge to not halt his development.

Nusa has been linked with several of Europe’s elite clubs since last September when he became the second-youngest goalscorer in Champions League history after netting in the 4-0 away win over FC Porto in the group stage.

Indeed, the teenager, who plays for Norway’s Under-21, is allegedly currently being watched by at least 20 other clubs, with Belgium’s top division one of the most heavily scouted leagues for young talent.

Last week Nusa spoke openly about his failed move to Chelsea.

The youngster said in an interview with TV2: “I didn’t know about it. I saw there was a lot of stuff on my phone. My phone exploded after the game. Then I wondered what happened. Then I realised.

“I already knew that it wasn’t going to happen, but then the money came on the table. Then it’s seen in a slightly different way.

“We had to have another conversation when the money arrived, but we were on the same page, so there was no problem there. I knew what to do anyway, so it was fine.

When specifically asked about the fee offered by Chelsea, the player added: “That’s a lot of money. A lot of money. But I try not to think about it so much. I can’t focus on that, you know. I don’t think it’s good for me.

“We are talking about very big clubs and that’s where you dream of being in the future. I try not to think about money at all. There’s a lot of money in football, so that’s not what’s on my mind. It’s where I can develop best and become as good as possible.”

Topics: Chelsea, Transfers, Premier League, Club Brugge, Norway

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.