French club Nantes FC have rejected an offer from Chelsea for France-born defender of Congolese descent, Tylel Tati.
The centre-back has emerged as a key target for the Premier League side, but negotiations have yet to progress.
Reports indicate that Chelsea made an informal inquiry valued at around €30 million for the Nantes defender.
According to L’Equipe, the Ligue 1 club were quick to reject the initial approach, signalling their reluctance to entertain offers for the young defender at this stage of the season.
The final days of the transfer window are expected to be intense for Nantes, who are themselves in the market for defensive reinforcements. Despite that, the club faces growing interest in Tati, with Chelsea having closely monitored the player in recent days as they explore options to strengthen their back line.
Sources in London suggest Chelsea are considering submitting a formal bid in the region of €30 million, although no written offer has yet been lodged.
The Premier League club are also understood to be exploring the possibility of signing Tati and loaning him back to Nantes for the remainder of the campaign.
That proposal, however, appears complicated by several factors, including the limited time left before the transfer window closes on Monday and Nantes’ firm stance following the rejection of the initial inquiry.
As things stand, a deal looks difficult to conclude before the deadline.
Tati has been an important figure for Nantes this season, featuring in 19 matches across competitions and playing a central role in the club’s defensive structure, a contribution that has only heightened interest in his services.
