Chelsea have failed in their attempts to sign Nantes youngster Nathan Gassama, according to France Football magazine.
The French publication reports that the defender has opted against moving to the Blues in order to remain with the Ligue One club.
Gassama turned 17 in January, and both Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund was said to keen on recruiting the player on a professional contract.
Youngsters in France can only sign on professional terms when they reach 18 years of age, and the Frenchman’s performances at youth level had attracted interest from a number of different teams.
However, the centre back has signed a three year deal with Nantes, and will continue his development in the French side’s Under 19 team. He has yet to make his debut for the club’s senior team.
The player has only been with his current club for just over a year after joining from fifth division outfit Evry FC in February 2017.
