Chelsea's nightmare week took another bitter turn when they fell to an agonising 2-1 defeat away to local rivals Fulham at Craven Cottage, but a fresh report indicates they're now targeting a PSG star.
Marc Cucurella's first-half dismissal changed the complexion of the west London derby completely, with incoming new manager Liam Rosenior watching helplessly from the stands as caretaker boss Calum McFarlane endured a difficult evening.
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The statistics paint a grim picture for Chelsea supporters, who are desperate for improvement under new leadership.
The Blues have secured just one victory in their last nine Premier League matches, slumping to eighth in the table after missing the chance to climb into fourth.
Their chronic discipline problems continue undermining promising performances, with Rosenior now tasked with inspiring a new era as Chelsea look to keep their top four hopes alive.
RC Strasbourg coach Liam Rosenior is interviewed before the match
Tosin Adarabioyo, Enzo Fernández and Cole Palmer also talked themselves into bookings through their protests over Cucurella's sending off, demonstrating the lack of composure that has cost Chelsea dearly throughout the season under previous manager Enzo Maresca.
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The Blues have been linked with a few audacious moves since the manager's arrival.
The Fulham defeat highlights how Chelsea are still far from the finished article, and BlueCo could sanction an aggressive recruitment drive this year.
Rosenior has reportedly identified several targets across multiple positions already, with the likes of Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez, AC Milan's Rafael Leao and even former Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold all linked in the past week.
Now, we can add a coveted PSG sensation to the list.
Chelsea hold talks with agents over PSG star Bradley Barcola
According to TEAMtalk and journalist Graeme Bailey, Chelsea are in regular contact with intermediaries regarding a potential move for winger Bradley Barcola.
bradley-barcola-psg
The west Londoners are apparently among four Premier League clubs engaged in consistent dialogue with representatives over the France international's future.
Barcola has emerged as a genuine possibility for Chelsea in recent weeks as he considers a move away from the Parc des Princes.
The winger is evaluating his long-term future at PSG amid their squad rebuild, which has created increased competition for places in Luis Enrique's squad.
Chelsea have established themselves alongside Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City as the Premier League quartet in talks with intermediaries working on Barcola's behalf.
Paris St Germain's Bradley Barcola reacts
Paris St Germain's Bradley Barcola reacts
The Blues have been made aware that he could become available during the summer transfer window, with agents conducting work behind the scenes by engaging with possible suitors.
PSG added Georgian superstar Khvicha Kvaratskhelia to their attacking ranks last January, joining Desire Doue and Ousmane Dembele in creating fierce competition for starting positions.
The increased depth has seen Barcola's playing time become less guaranteed than previously, with Enrique rotating his forward options consistantly, rather than relying on consistent selections.
The 23-year-old has made 14 Ligue 1 appearances this season but has started only nine of those matches, scoring five goals in the process.
Most significantly, Enrique left Barcola out of PSG's starting line-up for their last two Ligue 1 games, opting to start other attacking players ahead of the 18-capped France international despite his proven quality.
luis-enrique-psg
The winger has registered 31 goals and 33 assists in 121 appearances for PSG, demonstrating the consistent productivity that has attracted attention from elite clubs across Europe.
As such, it is believed that Barcola commands a price tag of around £87 million, so he won't come cheap by any means.
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The manager is already making his presence known at Stamford Bridge.