Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has admitted that he has been "lost for words" after learning that Everton midfielder Ross Barkley turned down Chelsea midway through the transfer.
The England international was believed to be on the verge of signing for the Premier League champions in a £30m deal, but changed his mind at the last minute.
Reports have claimed that the 23-year-old was undergoing a medical when he decided against finalising the move.
It is unclear why Barkley made a U-turn, but the news has left football pundit Merson stunned.
"I'm lost for words," the 49-year-old told Sky Sports News. "You're going to the champions. He's going to play with [Eden] Hazard, Willian, and he's going to play! They haven't got the biggest squad. I'd like to hear the full story, but I'm shocked."
Barkley, who has also been linked to Tottenham Hotspur, has just one year remaining on his contract at Everton.
Written by
Danielle Joynson
Danielle Joynson
