Reports have revealed that Moroccan international Ilias Ben Sghir was close to shifting his direction towards the Premier League before finalizing his official transfer to Bayer Leverkusen from Monaco.

According to the French website Foot Mercato, Chelsea intervened unexpectedly in the final hours of negotiations, presenting an enticing offer that made the player reconsider his decision, weighing the sports project and participation opportunities between the English and German leagues.

Despite Chelsea's temptations and the strength of the Premier League, Ben Sghir preferred to stick with his first choice, officially signing for Bayer Leverkusen, convinced that the Bundesliga would be the most suitable platform for his development and showcasing his talent in European football.