CHELSEA have reportedly been knocked back in their pursuit of Belgium star Axel Witsel.
The 27-year-old will enter the final six months of his Zenit St-Petersburg contract in January.
And that situation means he will soon be able to negotiate a free transfer switch ahead of next summer's transfer window.
A host of Europe's top clubs were said to be tracking the midfielder after an impressive Euro 2016 campaign, including interest from Merseyside duo Liverpool and Everton.
And, according to Italian outlet Tuttosport, Chelsea are one of the teams who remain keen on securing his services.
However, the newspaper now claim Witsel has decided to reject the chance to link up with Antonio Conte at Stamford Bridge.
And he has apparently informed the Premier League leaders that he only has eyes for Juventus.
The late nature of Paul Pogba's world-record £89m move to Manchester United meant the Serie A giants were unable to land the former Benfica ace in August.
But they now look set to snap him up in a bosman deal after a five-year stint in Russia.
Witsel has made 23 appearances for Zenit this term, netting one goal and assisting two more.