Overview

• Chelsea have shifted their focus to 18-year-old midfielder Marc Bernal after failing to prise Fermín López from Barcelona, according to Spanish transfer reports.
• López said he never considered leaving Barcelona following links to Chelsea and scored twice in the 6-0 win over Valencia before making those comments.
• Reports indicate Chelsea lodged a proposal of around £35 million for López, which Barcelona rejected, with some outlets citing a price tag in excess of €90 million and Hansi Flick’s stance that he is integral.
• Bernal has just returned from a long knee injury and registered an assist against Valencia, a cameo that has reportedly alerted Chelsea’s scouting department.
• Barcelona are described in reports as preparing a renewal to keep Bernal through 2029 and declaring him not for sale, though local outlets note finances could prompt a rethink only for an exceptional offer.