The player in question is Nathan Ake, who spent time in west London in his younger years before being sold to Bournemouth and then Manchester City.
Ake, though, did seemingly come close to re-signing with Chelsea.
With Thomas Tuchel having lost Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger on free transfers, the former Blues boss was keen to bring the Dutchman back to Stamford Bridge.
Ake had rarely been much of a first-choice at the Etihad Stadium and Chelsea were said to have been optimistic in their attempts to sign him after a bid of around £45m.
There was even talk that an agreement in principle was in place. However, no move transpired and Ake has stayed at the Etihad.
The Dutchman has since been a regular feature at the back for Manchester City this term, making six Premier League appearances despite some injury issues.
“I’m very happy to be at Man City and I’m happy that I stayed here in the summer,” he said.
“I was never worried about competition”
Manchester City also signed Manuel Akanji to play centre-back in the last transfer window, but that has not stopped Ake earning minutes.
The Dutchman started at centre-back in City’s recent league wins over Manchester United and Southampton.
Chelsea, meanwhile, signed Wesley Fofana and Kalidou Koulibaly to fill the void left by Rudiger and Christensen.
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