Spanish superclub Barcelona are reportedly targeting a pair of Blues midfielders with a view for respective and prospective transfers. If Barca eventually sign Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez, it would be no disaster for the west London team. The 23-year-old has the capabilities to become one of the best on the planet in his chosen position at some stage. Though he may not ultimately be best suited to the Premier League.
However, if the Spaniards manage to prise another standout player from England, it could be a major issue for CFC. Selling the Argentine World Cup-winner is preferable to losing the other man wanted by Blaugrana, as we see it. So who is the second asset referenced? Why is he possibly more important than Fernandez? And is are the rumours from reliable sources?
Chelsea at Newcastle United for English Football League Cup Round of 16 clash
The Blues are up north at the moment. Very north indeed. If this were Game of Thrones, they'd be on The Wall looking out for Widlings. But they're not at Westeros' northern border - the Chels squad are in the equally chilly city of Newcastle.
Although the Magpies are not themselves at present, the task facing the visiting capital club is possibly taller than some imagine. Chelsea will undoubtedly be comparatively understrength to EPL lineups. But both teams will probably rotate away somewhat from their best top-flight XIs.
So you could call the aforementioned aspect potentially even. Considering wholesale changes are forecasted for NUFC boss Eddie Howe and CFC head coach Enzo Maresca. I just feel that Newcastle might want to restart their season by now; the Blues are always a notable scalp to obtain.
Relinquishing Enzo Fernandez is a lesser problem than allowing Romeo Lavia to depart Stamford Bridge
I am more of a fan of Lavia than Fernandez. There, I said it. I totally respect the man from Argentina for what he's done on the international pitch at such a tender age. Yet he has been generally unimpressive for the Fulham Road outfit if you ask me.
In fact, the Blues' progress could have accelerated under multiple managers if Fernandez had been dropped. Just look how exceptional Lavia has often been when starting or featuring. Since the Belgian returned from injury, he's fitted the side like a glove. It might be more lucrative financially to offload the former, as well.
The compatibility between Lavia and Moises Caicedo is sublime at times, too. So I was worried to hear some recent transfer talk:
"Barcelona are firm admirers of Romeo Lavia, who Chelsea have absolutely zero interest in selling (Simon Phillips). The same can be said for one of his mainstay teammates, with Barcelona also fond of Fernandez as Hansi Flick's side scour the market for midfielders."