Everton reportedly opted against selling Dominic Calvert-Lewin in part-exchange for at least one Chelsea player during the back end of the summer transfer window.
Despite their well-documented financial issues, the Toffees enjoyed a relatively productive period in the market, making a total of seven first-team additions.
The last of those was Chelsea forward Armando Broja, who has linked up with the Merseyside outfit despite likely not being ready for action until after the October international break.
Broja has joined a centre-forward contingent that also includes the likes of Iliman Ndiaye and Beto, as well as Calvert-Lewin whose future was up in the air.
With less than a year remaining on his contract, Everton would have been open to cashing in on their long-serving talisman in order to avoid risking losing him on a free transfer in 2025.
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Everton turn down Chelsea pair
Although the England international got on the scoresheet against Bournemouth last weekend, it was only his eighth top-flight goal since the start of the last campaign.
Despite his struggles in front of goal and aforementioned contractual situation, GIVEMESPORT claims that Everton showed preference to retaining his services over including him in a part-exchange deal.
The report suggests that Chelsea were open to including one of Axel Disasi or David Datro Fofana in any proposal for Calvert-Lewin, rather than a straight fee.
Chelsea co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital allegedly had no interest in paying more than £12.5m for the striker and instead preferred to reduce their outgoings with the offer of a fringe member.
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Are Disasi, Datro Fofana really that far down Chelsea pecking order?
In the case of Datro Fofana, it is common knowledge that Chelsea's hierarchy are openly looking for a club to sign the Ivorian on a permanent or temporary basis.
With the Greek and Turkish transfer windows still open, the forward could plausibly move to either country, yet the deadline for squad registration for UEFA competitions is close of play on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Disasi missed pre-season through recovering from hernia surgery, putting him at a disadvantage when it comes to proving himself to Enzo Maresca.
As it stands, the France international has been forced to deputise at right-back in the Europa Conference League playoffs, seemingly sitting in fifth place in the centre-back pecking order.
