Chelsea keeping a close eye on two Barcelona defenders – report | OneFootball

Chelsea had their sights set on a move for Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez during the summer, but in the end, it came to nothing.

The Blues also held an interest in Marc Casado as well, but the La Masia gem also opted to remain at the Catalan club.

Now, it appears that the Premier League heavy spenders have shifted their sights to Barcelona’s defensive unit, with two centre-backs reportedly on their radars.

Chelsea eyeing Eric Garcia

Indeed, according to TBR Football (h/t Mundo Deportivo), Chelsea are keeping a close eye on Eric Garcia amid his ongoing renewal talks with Barcelona.

According to Graeme Bailey, chief correspondent for TBR Football: “Eric Garcia is someone Chelsea would want in January, but he’ll most likely have signed a new contract by then.”

Garcia’s current contract with Barcelona expires at the end of the season, which has seemingly piqued the interest of Chelsea.

After all, he will be free to negotiate with other clubs from January 2026. Chelsea could even attempt to strike a pre-contract agreement to secure him before his deal expires.

However, the versatile defender, who has become a key player under Hansi Flick, is already in talks over a new deal and is expected to finalise an agreement soon.

Chelsea also eyeing Ronald Araujo

Araujo on Chelsea’s radars. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)

At the same time, the Londoners are also monitoring Ronald Araujo, although they believe that the Uruguayan will not leave the Blaugrana.

“Araujo is also being talked about and there is theoretical interest, but they’re not convinced he wants to leave Barcelona just yet (…),” revealed Bailey.

“If Araujo were to make it clear he wanted to leave, things could change, but for now, he’s not really interested in leaving.”

However, Araujo signed a long-term contract with Barcelona in January earlier this year, and is fully committed to the club, with the Blaugrana also viewing him as an important part of the plans.