---
title: "Laporte coy on Chelsea interest"
canonical: "https://readchelsea.com/2017/10/19/laporte-coy-chelsea-interest/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Luke Osman"
section: "Chelsea News"
published: "2017-10-19T16:53:22Z"
modified: "2017-10-19T16:53:22Z"
---

# Laporte coy on Chelsea interest

Chelsea have been linked with a move for Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte for some time now.

The Frenchman has established himself as one of La Liga’s top central defenders, and it comes as no surprise to have seen him linked with some of Europe’s top clubs across the last year.

However, when discussing the Blues’ reported interest in him, Laporte kept his cards rather close to his chest.

Speaking to French news outlet L’Equipe, as quoted by [talkSPORT](https://talksport.com/football/i-did-not-want-leave-athletic-bilbao-star-reveals-he-rejected-chelsea-and-manchester-city), Laporte has this to say about Chelsea’s interest in him:

> I had the chance to leave but I did not feel it.

![David Ramos/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.co/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/516665224.jpg)

> Also because I was injured and did not want to leave so. Chelsea’s interest? I can not say anything, it’s a personal thing.

It looks as though Laporte is keen on remaining with Bilbao for the foreseeable future, with him evidently having been aware of the interest from clubs of Chelsea’s stature.

The Blues wasted no time in their defensive recruitment during the summer, and added Antonio Rudiger to their already impressive pool of centre-back choices.

Laporte will look to kick on further with Bilbao this season, and aim to break into France’s squad for the World Cup.