Everton reject late Chelsea move for midfielder James Garner

Chelsea made a late attempt to sign Everton midfielder James Garner before the transfer window closed, with the London club prepared to pay €75.4m for the 25-year-old, according to talkSPORT.

However, Everton were unwilling to consider any offers for Garner at such a late stage of the transfer window, meaning Chelsea’s approach did not progress. The Merseyside club therefore kept hold of a player whose current contract runs until 2030.

Garner has been with Everton since 2022, when the club paid Manchester United more than €10m to secure his services. The midfielder has since remained part of Everton’s squad, and his long-term agreement gives the club a strong position when responding to interest from other sides.

Chelsea’s reported approach came shortly before the window closed, leaving Everton little inclination to assess or negotiate a potential sale. Although the London club were ready to commit €75.4m, the timing of the proposal was decisive in Everton’s decision to reject the possibility of a transfer.

Garner has played in three matches for Everton this season but has not registered a goal or an assist. Despite that lack of a direct attacking contribution so far in the campaign, his age, contractual position and previous move from Manchester United made him a player Chelsea were reportedly prepared to pursue with a substantial offer.

Everton’s purchase of Garner in 2022 was worth more than €10m, and the midfielder’s contract now extends through to 2030. That long-term deal means the club were not under immediate pressure to sell when Chelsea made their late approach.

The report from talkSPORT does not state that Garner was close to joining Chelsea, with Everton’s refusal to consider late proposals effectively ending the London club’s interest before the transfer window shut. Garner consequently remains an Everton player and has continued into the new season with the club.