The transfer saga surrounding Jack Grealish has taken a dramatic turn after the Manchester City star reportedly turned down a blockbuster €70 million move to Chelsea. According to insiders, the bid was not only financially appealing but was also backed by a personal push from none other than his close friend and former teammate, Cole Palmer.
Palmer, who joined Chelsea from Manchester City last season and quickly became one of the Blues’ brightest stars, is said to have reached out to Grealish directly, urging him to join the project under Enzo Maresca. Their strong friendship off the pitch led Chelsea to believe they had a unique advantage in convincing the England international to make the switch.
However, sources now confirm that Grealish ultimately declined the offer, preferring to remain at Manchester City for the foreseeable future. The decision reportedly shocked many at Chelsea, especially after days of optimism and internal discussions hinting at a breakthrough.
Adding to the twist, Manchester City acted swiftly once they got wind of Chelsea’s proposal. The reigning Premier League champions offered Grealish an improved personal package — believed to include revised performance bonuses, increased base salary, and a leadership role within the squad — making it clear that they view him as a vital part of their plans moving forward.
The club’s counter-offer worked like a charm. Grealish, who had been weighing his options, felt valued and respected. It didn’t take long before he informed Chelsea of his decision to stay put at the Etihad. While the player’s loyalty to Pep Guardiola and his affection for the club’s culture played a key role, City’s financial response sealed the deal.
Chelsea’s hierarchy, meanwhile, are reportedly furious with the way the situation unfolded. The West London club believed they were very close to pulling off one of the biggest transfers of the summer — a move that would have paired Grealish with his friend Palmer and injected much-needed creativity into their midfield and wide positions.
One senior Chelsea figure is even said to have expressed frustration with what they described as “City’s aggressive late intervention,” suggesting that the timing and scale of their counter-offer felt “deliberately disruptive.”
The rejection has left Chelsea with several questions. While they still have strong financial backing and a desire to compete for top players, this failed move represents a setback for the club’s summer plans — especially since they had cleared internal room for Grealish’s arrival.
For Grealish, the decision marks a significant moment in his Manchester City career. After a somewhat slow start following his British-record transfer from Aston Villa, the 28-year-old has grown in confidence, discipline, and contribution under Guardiola. His decision to reject Chelsea sends a message: he’s not finished at City yet.
As for Palmer, his efforts were sincere but ultimately unsuccessful. The friendship between the two remains intact, but their professional paths — for now — will stay divided.
One thing is certain: this saga has added fuel to the ongoing rivalry between Chelsea and Manchester City, both on and off the pitch.