I was desperate to join Chelsea - but £45m transfer was turned down and now I'm flying

Anthony Gordon has revealed that he was "quite close" to joining Chelsea and working with Thomas Tuchel in the summer of 2022. The 23-year-old was linked with a move to Stamford Bridge after impressing for Everton, scoring some important goals as the Toffees escaped relegation to stay in the Premier League.

It was reported that Everton turned down two offers from Chelsea for Gordon, with the second one coming it at around £45million. At the time, then-Toffees manager Frank Lampard said the move was never close to happening but Gordon - who instead signed for Newcastle for £60m in January 2023 - told a different story.

Speaking in a press conference with England ahead of Thursday's trip to Greece in the Nations League, Gordon said: "It was quite close to be honest. I was desperate to go at the time and work with him (Tuchel) especially.

READ MORE: I already have my Chelsea exit planned - despite Enzo Maresca revival

READ MORE: Enzo Fernandez decision proves Enzo Maresca's brutal Chelsea style is working

"I felt like my style would suit his style of play - the way he was playing at Chelsea was very exciting for me. It was a big opportunity for me that didn’t end up happening and I’m looking forward to getting to work with him a couple of years later."

Two years down the line, Gordon now has the chance to work with Tuchel after the German was appointed as the new England manager last month. Although Tuchel is not set to start his tenure until 2025, Gordon finally has the opportunity to see how Tuchel can develop his career.

It comes after Tuchel appeared to convince Gordon to work with him at Chelsea. During the back end of the 2021/22 Premier League season, Gordon impressed for Everton in a 1-0 win over Chelsea at Goodison Park and Tuchel had a quiet word with the forward after the match.

Gordon added: "I spoke to him after a game we played against Chelsea when I played for Everton. I shook his hand and… he said some really complimentary things to me that I’ll keep to myself. I felt a lot of warmth from him which then, in turn, made me really want to play for him but I didn’t get that chance."