Why Chelsea missed out on Juventus defender Daniele Rugani

Chelsea missed out on signing Daniele Rugani during the summer after the defender decided to fight for his place at Juventus FC.

Standard Sport understands a £44.2 million deal, along with wages of around £80,000 a week, were offered to both club and player but the 23-year-old rejected a summer switch.

Since then Rugani has played just two games this season, one in Serie A and a one-minute substitute appearance in the Champions League.

"Chelsea made a very strong push to negotiate, Juve evaluated it, but the player never asked to leave,” agent Davide Torchia told RMC Sport radio.

"His objective was to earn his place in the starting XI. Juve believed in the player and we'll discuss it during the contract renewal talks.

"It expires in 2021, so there is no urgency, but we cannot wait too long either."

Maurizio Sarri failed to sign a new centre-back during the summer, with David Luiz since coming back into the fold but Andres Christensen has lost his place.