"?Chelsea target Marcelo Brozovic turned down the chance to work under Antonio Conte at Stamford Bridge in order to remain at the San Siro as an Inter Milan player, according to his agent.
"?Quoted in Goal, the Premier League side reportedly attempted to lure the Croatian to west London during the final week of the transfer window after the club failed in their pursuit of a number of high profile names.
Conte's side struggled in this summer's window without the added attraction of the Champions League and the Blues board desperately searched to add depth to the team who finished last season in tenth place.
Deadline day signings Marcos Alonso and the returning David Luiz provide the Stamford Bridge outfit with cover in the midfield area from their primary position of defence, but Brozovic's agent Miroslav Bicanic claims if Chelsea had their way, his player would have put pen to paper in London.
"Yes, it is official Brozo will stay in Inter, otherwise he would have been on the plane to London and not with national team in Sisak."
Chelsea are believed to have tabled a bid of £25m that was accepted by the Italian giants, but negotiations came to a close with Brozovic eager to develop under new manager Frank De Boer.
"After he returns from Croatia, Marcelo will sign a new, improved contract with Inter," revealed Bicanic.
With Conte's side looking to mount a serious title challenge without the added distraction of European football, the Croatian's decision to turn down a lucrative deal for a contract extension at the San Siro worth less indicates where Chelsea currently stand in the market.
"With it he will earn less than he would have if he had signed for Chelsea, but he feels comfortable in Inter, he knows the city and the club will play in the Europa League. He didn't want to rush to England because there is a new coach at Inter," explained Brozovic's representative.
The harsh reality is that Marcelo Brozovic is one of many players #Chelsea failed to sign this summer...#CFC pic.twitter.com/ylbbB5DaTl