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Chelsea transfer pursuit of Dani Olmo takes a twist as winger explains exit desire
Chelsea are said to be admirers of the Dinamo Zagreb ace.
Chelsea target Dani Olmo scores unreal goal in training
Dinamo Zagreb star Dani Olmo has revealed he’s open to returning to Barcelona, seemingly denting Chelsea’s hopes of acquiring his services. According to reports, the Blues have been keeping tabs on the attacking midfielder for several months.
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is said to be an admirer of the 21-year-old, who has scored eight goals and provided seven assists this season.
Barcelona are also said to be keen on reacquiring the midfielder’s services and are reportedly contemplating bringing him back to the Nou Camp this month.
Olmo is flattered to have caught the eye of his former employers and appears to be open to returning to Catalunya.
“It makes me happy the idea that Barcelona reconsider the possibility of bringing me home,” he told Catalan newspaper L’Esportiu.
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It makes me happy the idea that Barcelona reconsider the possibility of bringing me home
“My goal is to go to the European Championship [with Spain] and it will be difficult for me if in the next six months I’m only playing in a smaller league, like the one in Croatia.
“I want to take a step forward. And not only to go to the Euro, but also to keep improving.
“It’s not that I’m being offered, it’s just that I’m ready to take a step forward in my career.
“They [Dinamo] are open to hearing offers and they have passed it to us.
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"We all want the best for everyone. We don’t want to hurt the club.’
When asked if he’s open to leaving Dinamo in January, Olmo said: “I don’t know, it’s a matter of my representatives.
“But if there is an understanding between the clubs, I think the best thing for everyone is to leave Zagreb now.
Olmo left Barcelona in the summer of 2014 on a free transfer.
The forward has made a total of 124 appearances for the Croatian giants, in which he’s scored 34 goals and provided 28 assists.
Olmo and his Zagreb team-mates will be back in action on Saturday, welcoming Hungarian side Zalaegerszegi to the Stadion Maksimir for a friendly.
Chelsea, meanwhile, will welcome Championship side Nottingham Forest to Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon for their FA Cup third-round tie.