Fabrizio Romano: Man City and Chelsea target 'undergoing medical' after Barcelona deal agreedplaceholder image
Fabrizio Romano: Man City and Chelsea target 'undergoing medical' after Barcelona deal agreed | National World / Getty Images
Chelsea, Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund had all attempted to hijack a Paris Saint-Germain transfer deal
Chelsea’s hopes of signing Barcelona wonderkid Dro Fernández have all-but faded with the 18-year-old reportedly set to complete a medical at Paris Saint-Germain on Monday.
The highly-rated attacker only turned 18 this month and came through the academy at Barcelona and has provided one assist in five senior appearances for the La Liga giants.
However, Fabrizio Romano reported on Sunday a deal had been agreed for him to make the move to Champions League holders PSG. He said on X: “Dro to Paris Saint-Germain, deal confirmed and here we go!
“All sealed after positive talks PSG-Barça on fee slightly higher than €6m release clause as revealed yesterday. Agreement with Dro already done since last week, ready for PSG switch. Deal completed.”
That news came after French journalist Marc Mechenoua shared that ‘several clubs’ were trying to change Dro’s mind in joining in PSG. He said on Friday that Chelsea and Manchester City had been in frequent contact with the player’s representatives while Borussia Dortmund had ‘submitted several offers’ to bring him to the Bundesliga.
However, any hopes of Chelsea signing another young star have been further dashed with a fresh update from Romano on Monday morning.
He posted on X: “Dro, undergoing his medical at Paris Saint-Germain today ahead of €8m deal sealed with Barcelona.”
Dro arrived at Barca’s academy in 2022 after rejecting the chance to join Real Madrid and Real Betis. He has represented Spain since Under-15 level, progressing through each group to now representing the nation’s Under-18s side.
He plays as an attacking midfielder or left-winger so would have found it tough to break into the Chelsea side given the options currently at Liam Rosenior’s disposal.
Speaking about the player’s exit, Barcelona president Laporta said: “Dro's departure surprised me. We had an agreement for him to extend his contract at 18, then his agent said that ultimately he changed his mind. It has been an unpleasant situation.”
His contract with Barca ran until the summer of 2027 but PSG have pounced on the uncertainty surrounding his future with the Spanish club. Chelsea will now have to move onto other targets with just one week left in the January window.
This week, they travel to Napoli in their final Champions League group phase game before hosting West Ham United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.
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