Chelsea have reportedly been dealt a major blow in their pursuit of Ajax left-back Nicolas Tagliaficio.
According to ESPN, the Argentina international has told Ajax that his heart is set on Barcelona.
With that being the case, a proposed switch to Stamford Bridge for the 29-year-old now looks like a non-starter.
The report does add that Barca want an initial loan before a permanent summer move, but with the defender determined to secure a transfer to the La Liga giants, Chelsea may well be put on the back burner for now.
Thomas Tuchel has been eyeing up Tagliafico to cover for Ben Chilwell’s absence.
The England defender has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a knee ligament injury in November.
Chelsea haven't looked as threatening on the left-hand side since Chilwell's early exit from the team this season and Tuchel is desperate for reinforcement in that area.
The Blues failed in an attempt to recall Emerson Palmieri from his loan at Lyon earlier in the window after the French outfit turned down an offer of £3million to see him return to Stamford Bridge six months earlier than planned.
They've been linked to several other targets in the meantime, including Stuttgart's Borna Sosa.
However, according to Sky Germany, via the Metro, Stuttgart are holding out for a €30million (£25.1million) transfer fee for the Croatia international, which could put Chelsea off making a move this month.
Stuttgart are also reluctant to let Sosa leave as he is a key part of their team and they are currently in a relegation battle in the Bundesliga.
With less than a week to go in the window, time is very much running out for the Blues who will need another left wing-back if they want to challenge for every cup competition this season.
They've already qualified for the Carabao Cup final and have the Club World Cup next month, but with the FA Cup and Champions League still winnable tournaments, Tuchel will want to have as strong a side as possible.
