With time ticking away until the closing of the transfer window things are getting more and more frenetic across Europe and never moreso than on Monday night, when Barcelona's last-ditch interest in Malcom threw his seemingly impending move to Roma into disarray.
According to Spanish publications 'SPORT' and 'Mundo Deportivo', Chelsea's excessive demands have forced the Barcelona into rethinking their move for Willian and launching a late swoop for Malcom.
The Spanish champions have been monitoring Willian closely for some time now and launched their move once the World Cup came to a close.
However, the Londoners are in no mood to be stripped of their stars this summer and placed a huge asking price on the Brazilian, one which Barcelona are unwilling to match given that the player is on the verge of turning 30.
The Catalans lodged three official bids for the player, all of which they deemed to be fair offers, but were knocked back on each occassion.
Despite being initially confident of negotiating a suitable agreement for both parties, the deal cooled over the weekend and into Monday and as Roma agreed a fee with Bordeaux for Malcom, Barca saw an opportunity to secure a much cheaper alternative.
Eight years younger than his compatriot, Malcom is another player that Barca have scouted heavily, though his youth means he offers more sell-on value than the Chelsea star.
It remains to be seen who will win the chase for Malcom's signature, but if it is Barcelona, that would surely put an end to their interest in Willain.