Chelsea target Aymen Abdennour says he had no doubts in choosing Valencia over other offers

Chelsea target Aymen Abdennour has said he has chosen to join "Valencia out of all the offers" he received, so he could be part of an ambitious project and play in the best league in the world. The La Liga side confirmed the signing of the Monaco centre-back on Saturday 29 August to fill the gap left by the summer departure of Nicolas Otamendi to Manchester City.

The Telegraph recently claimed that Jose Mourinho had identified the 26 year-old Tunisian defender as an alternative to John Stones after Everton decided to reject all their approaches from the England international starlet. The Portuguese boss has earmarked the signing of a long-term replacement for John Terry as a priority before the end of the transfer window and had the former Monaco star alongside Argentinian international Ezequiel Garay in his shopping list of target ahead of the final days of the market.

But the Blues hopes to secure the services of the Tunisian ended on Saturday after Valencia announced an agreement with Monaco which according to AS could reach the £21.8m ($33.7m) – being £18m set plus the rest in add-ons. The Spanish publication points that "Chelsea attempted to hijack the deal right up until the final moment," but the defender opted instead to make the move to Valencia to play in La Liga.

"I chose Valencia CF out of all the offers I received, because it is a big club in Spain and Europe. I had no doubts," Abdennour himself said to Valencia official webstite after passing his medical and signed a 5-year contract with the club.

"I am happy to be here and to be part of an ambitious and serious project, and I would like to thank the technical staff, Lay Hoon and Peter Lim. I will give my all to have a good season with my new teammates. Everyone knows Valencia CF because they have won a lot of trophies. I am delighted to be joining the best league in the world and hope to play well for the team."