Nathan Ake is set to remain at Manchester City despite strong Chelsea interest as the two clubs could not agree a fee for the defender.
The former Chelsea man was expected to depart the Etihad this summer, with the Blues keen on bringing him back to Stamford Bridge to help bolster a back-line that has lost both Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger on free transfers already this transfer window, while the future of Cesar Azpilicueta remains unclear.
However, they will have to turn their attentions elsewhere, with the Athletic reporting that a deal has fallen through with Chelsea unwilling to meet Pep Guardiola's side's valuation of the player.
For their part, City were only ever willing to sell should their value have been met, with the Cityzens otherwise keen to keep Ake as a backup option.
'It is understood to be a mutual decision for Ake to remain at City, with the club thought to be happy for him to remain at the Etihad' the Athletic report.
'The potential transfer to Chelsea did not advance because the terms of the deal were not right for City', they added.
Chelsea closing in on pair of additions
Despite this setback, Chelsea are closing in on a pair of defenders to replace those that they have lost this summer.
Veteran defender Kalidou Koulibaly is set to join from Napoli, while a deal for Presnel Kimpembe is thought to be on the table too, with PSG willing to sell and Thomas Tuchel very keen to add the Frenchman to his ranks.
Beyond that, Chelsea are also targetting a back-up for Reece James at right back.