Barcelona will turn to 17-year-old pearl if star midfielder leaves for Premier League | OneFootball

Earlier today, reports emerged claiming that Premier League giants Chelsea have expressed a firm interest in signing Barcelona attacking midfielder Fermin Lopez.

The Blues are understood to be in contact with the La Masia graduate’s camp over a possible transfer and have given him a 48-hour deadline to make a decision on whether he wishes to leave Barcelona or not.

Fermin, for his part, has always maintained that he intends to stay at the club. However, the recent snub by manager Hansi Flick against Levante and increased competition for places might influence his decision.

Barcelona will replace Fermin with Dro

Now, according to journalist Adrian Sanchez, Barcelona will turn to another La Masia jewel, Pedro ‘Dro’ Fernandez, in case Fermin decides to leave for Chelsea.

Dro to replace Fermin? (Photo by Paul Miller/Getty Images)

Dro, 17, was one of the biggest positives of the pre-season for Barça. A versatile attacking midfielder capable of operating as a No. 10 or on the flanks, the youngster made a big impression on Hansi Flick & co.

A key member of the treble-winning Barça Juvenil A side last season under Juliano Belletti, Dro has long been earmarked as a special talent at La Masia.

The youngster left a good impression in his pre-season appearances and has since been included in the matchday squad by Flick for the first two La Liga matches.

As such, in case Fermin ends up leaving for Chelsea, the idea would be to trust the 17-year-old prodigy and hand him a bigger role in the squad for the season.

Flick has never shied away from trusting youth, and Dro could end up benefitting if Fermin opts to undertake a new challenge in his career.