Chelsea’s €30m Bid for Nantes Teen Tati Rejected by Club

Chelsea have made a verbal offer of €30 million to sign 18-year-old centre-back Tylel Tati from Nantes, but the French club rejected the approach. The bid came late in the transfer window, with Chelsea pushing to strengthen their defence before Monday's deadline at 7pm. Nantes, sitting 16th in Ligue 1, want to keep the player for their survival fight.

Background

Tylel Tati broke into Nantes' first team this season after coming through their youth setup. He joined the club's academy in 2023 following time at the France national youth academy Clairefontaine. Tati made his senior debut in Nantes' opening Ligue 1 match against Paris Saint-Germain in August. Since then, he has started 18 of the team's last 20 games across all competitions. At just 18, he has become a regular at the back for a side battling relegation.

Nantes sit 16th in the Ligue 1 table, just above the drop zone. They have relied on Tati's steady play to shore up their defence. The club sees him as a key part of their plans to avoid the drop. Losing him now would hurt their backline at a critical time.

Chelsea, meanwhile, expected a quiet January window. But injuries and form issues in defence changed their thinking. Manager Liam Rosenior wants more options at centre-back. The team has dealt with absences that left gaps in the squad. This led them to look at young talents like Tati.

Key Details

The offer from Chelsea was not put in writing. Reports say it totalled €30 million, around £26 million. Chelsea proposed signing Tati now and loaning him back to Nantes until the end of the season. This would let Nantes keep his services while securing a fee for the teenager.

Nantes turned down the deal right away. They view Tati as too important to lose mid-season. With only days left in the window, the rejection makes a quick agreement unlikely.

Chelsea's Other Moves

Chelsea are not stopping at Tati. They have their eyes on Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet as a main target. The 20-year-old France under-21 international wants to join Chelsea. Personal terms are agreed, but Rennes will not sell in January. Any move for Jacquet points to the summer window.

To bolster their defence now, Chelsea recalled Mamadou Sarr from loan at Strasbourg. The 20-year-old heads back to London to join the first team. Sarr worked under Rosenior last season, so he knows the setup. In exchange, Aaron Anselmino will go to Strasbourg on loan. The young Argentinian was pulled back from Borussia Dortmund recently.

Chelsea also aim to offload Axel Disasi. The France international has not played for the senior side in over a year. He has been with the development team to build fitness. West Ham came close to a loan deal, but Roma and Lyon have shown interest too. Time is short – Disasi must leave by Monday evening or face months without matches.

"Tati has started nearly every game for us this season. He is vital to our fight to stay up." – Nantes assistant coach

What This Means

For Nantes, holding onto Tati gives them stability at the back. They need every point in the relegation battle. Selling now could bring cash, but it risks their position in Ligue 1. The club values the player's growth and contributions over an immediate payout.

Chelsea face a squeeze on defence without new signings. Bringing Sarr back helps short-term. Anselmino's loan keeps squad depth flowing. But if injuries persist, they may lean on youth or existing players. The Jacquet pursuit shows long-term planning. A summer deal there could pair youth with experience.

The transfer window closes Monday at 7pm. Chelsea have hours to wrap up Disasi's exit and any last moves. Tati's rejection shifts focus elsewhere. European clubs watch Nantes' youngsters closely. Tati has drawn interest before, so bids may come again later.

Rosenior's side sits mid-table in the Premier League. Defensive solidity could push them higher. Moves like these shape the second half of the season. Fans wait to see how the squad looks by deadline day.

Tati keeps playing for Nantes. His debut season marks him as a prospect. At 18, he has time to develop. Chelsea's interest boosts his profile. Ligue 1 exposure helps his case for France youth teams.

The Blues juggle incomings and outgoings. Sarr's return adds competition. Anselmino gains minutes in France. Disasi seeks game time abroad. These threads tie into bigger squad plans.

Nantes prepare for upcoming matches. Tati likely starts again soon. Their home form matters in the survival scrap. Chelsea eye the next games too. Transfers set the tone for what follows.