Antonee Robinson's Serie A dream was dashed last week – but his Premier League hopes are still very much alive.
When news of a proposed £10million move to AC Milan leaked the day before the transfer window closed, Wigan Athletic defender Robinson was the talk of the game.
The 22-year-old looked set for a move to the Rossoneri but the Italian giants had not left enough time to complete the medical.
A fee for the United States international was only agreed between the two clubs 24 hours before the deadline. And that left Robinson battling against the clock to have the checks done and for him to sign on the dotted line.
But there is a welcome twist to the tale – at least there should be this summer.
The turn of events had caught clubs here on the hop as Paul Cook’s side looked to offload an little-known asset.
Premier League outfits had not realised there was a diamond in the rough at the wrong end of the Championship.
And at least three have been in touch with the Latics since the news broke that Milan boss Stefano Pioli was on the verge of signing the young left-back.
Chelsea, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are all in the market to strengthen the position this summer – and there are potentially other suitors too for the former Bolton Wanderers man.
Wigan have now set a fee for the player and AC Milan could end up regretting the lateness of their move.
The Latics signed Robinson from Everton in the summer for £1.98million after he spent the previous campaign on loan at the DW Stadium.
Robinson is contracted to Wigan until 2022, and the Championship club should make a tidy profit on the defender if they sell him to a top-flight side this summer.
Bubba7240
0
As a soccer loving American, I LOVE THIS
McSinClaire
1
James was also really good. This leftback is also really prolific. Besides, this position doesn't give presssure on the players playing in the position so, even though he is currently playing at Championship team, being promoted to a higher class Chelsea side wouldn't affect his form. We should sign him.
In games where their opposition teams dominate matches and target the central-right flank (which is Left for him) he is messed up. Maybe because he is still young. He is also sometimes saved by his pace and stamina from playing bad.
ghostrider7762
1
he is inconsistent.
Is he??he is one of the best leftback this season....and he is already pusing for England no 1 position at the age of 22
McSinClaire
1
Chelsea need Chilwell
he is inconsistent.
Pazabckuz
0
Chelsea transfer rumors is farst spreading an very contagious more than coronavirus
Ombasa4466
0
can i say we need conte back? conte was a reality coach for now who can beat any team ahead of him he places to cover in the field example yesterday dearby really good can't compare him with any coach for now,big loss for Chelsea for loosing him
ghostrider7762
0
James was also really good. This leftback is also really prolific. Besides, this position doesn't give presssure on the players playing in the position so, even though he is currently playing at Championship team, being promoted to a higher class Chelsea side wouldn't affect his form. We should sign him.
Chelsea need Chilwell
Dehdelns
1
Chelsea transfer news
Kutbdkotyz
0
Chelsea should just go for Origi
armah Reuben
1
James was also really good. This leftback is also really prolific. Besides, this position doesn't give presssure on the players playing in the position so, even though he is currently playing at Championship team, being promoted to a higher class Chelsea side wouldn't affect his form. We should sign him.
the guy is a baller.Chelsea look sharp and sign fast
McSinClaire
1
First Chelsea need a coach before signing any player.
I can
McSinClaire
0
First Chelsea need a coach before signing any player.
I can
McSinClaire
0
First Chelsea need a coach before signing any player.
I can
Bidacryz
0
good luck finding a coach who could end up at top 4 with Championship team players.
Lampard made that choice by himself. I think he is an okay coach but his stubbornness is costing us. He is trying to build a young team and that is really good. But clubs often have to choose to either win trophies or build a young team that can challenge for trophies in 3-4 years to come. The question is can Chelsea supporters wait that long???
aobeekay
1
pls save us d stress of chelsea eyeing a player...chelsea doesnt need any player in d next 2 decades.
McSinClaire
3
James was also really good. This leftback is also really prolific. Besides, this position doesn't give presssure on the players playing in the position so, even though he is currently playing at Championship team, being promoted to a higher class Chelsea side wouldn't affect his form. We should sign him.
McSinClaire
1
First Chelsea need a coach before signing any player.
good luck finding a coach who could end up at top 4 with Championship team players.
Oluwanishola⁉️⁉️
2
First Chelsea need a coach before signing any player.
Maybe you should take over then instead
tocacdety
2
First Chelsea need a coach before signing any player.
Vezonic22
3
This transfer crap of a ban badly hurting Chelsea. Chelsea needs new guys as well as selling some not doing much there.
bakaduyz
3
Chelsea failed to strength the team at January there are only good with being interested bt cnt bring in any player