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Everton snubbed £65m deadline-day bid from Chelsea for James Garner
Sep 02 2026 10:52 · By onefootball.com · 35 Reads
(Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
Everton rejected a late attempt from Chelsea to sign James Garner on transfer deadline deadline day.
Chelsea made an approach to sign Garner as the West Londoners sought a replacement for Enzo Fernndez, who departed for Manchester City in a British transfer record deal.
According to The Bobble, Chelsea valued Garner at £65million but the approach was rejected. Garner is understood to be happy to stay on Merseyside after a new four-and-a-half year contract in January.
The 25-year-old was named Everton Player of the Season and Players' Player of the Season in 2025/26 and made his senior England debut in March. However, he missed out on a place in Thomas Tuchel's final squad for the 2026 World Cup.
It concluded a career-best campaign for Garner, who scored twice and provided seven Premier League assists. He led all Premier League midfielders for percentage of duels won, and ranked in the top 10 in his position for possession won, defensive duels won, and assists.
Chelsea made multiple approaches for midfielders as Fernandez's exit edged closer. Xabi Alonso's side held talks with TFG-owned AS Roma for Manu Kone, but saw that approach turned down. Chelsea had agreed a deal for AS Monaco midfielder Lamine Camara but saw the French side pull the plug in the final hours of the window.