Chelsea have received a definitive verdict from Barcelona star Fermin Lopez, who was courted by the Blues over the summer, while a deadline day approach for Raheem Sterling has been disclosed
Barcelona's Spanish midfielder #16 Fermin Lopez celebrates scoring the opening goal during the 60th Joan Gamper Trophy football match between FC Barcelona and Como 1907 at Johan Cruyff Stadium in Barcelona on August 10, 2025. (Photo by Josep LAGO / AFP) (Photo by JOSEP LAGO/AFP via Getty Images)
Barcelona starlet Fermin Lopez has spoken out on Chelsea's interest in him this summer
Enzo Maresca was backed by Chelsea this summer, with over £275million spent on transfers, though one failed target has now spoken out about the club's interest. The Blues also sanctioned a host of outgoings, but could have sealed another exit for Raheem Sterling.
Chelsea have endured a mixed start to the season. They remain unbeaten in the Premier League, winning two and drawing two of their opening matches, the latest clash being a 2-2 stalemate away at Brentford. Their squad looks vastly different from last term, with the likes of Joao Pedro and Alejandro Garnacho joining their ranks.
Chelsea target makes transfer admission
Lopez, a 22-year-old dynamic midfielder, has become one of Barcelona's brightest sparks at such a young age and caught Chelsea's eye over the summer. A bid of £35million was reportedly submitted, and after missing out on long-term target Xavi Simons to rivals Tottenham, the Blues pushed for a move.
However, no such transfer materialised, and Lopez has stayed put. On Sunday, his side faced Valencia at home and produced a demolition job, beating them 6-0.
Fermin Lopez celebrates for Barcelona
Lopez scored twice in Barcelona's 6-0 thrashing of Valencia
Lopez was among the goals, registering a brace, and when asked after the game about Chelsea's interest in him, he definitively revealed that such a move was never on the cards.
"I never had any doubts," he told Movistar. "There is always speculation, but I always wanted to stay here, and I will fight to stay here for many years. The rest is all part of football."
Raheem Sterling's Bayern Munich escape route
Having spent last season on loan with Arsenal, Sterling returned to Stamford Bridge earlier this year, with signs pointing to a permanent exit. The English winger, now 30, failed to impress at the Emirates and was reportedly available for £20m this summer.
A move that would keep him in west London and land him with Fulham was mooted, but no deadline-day transfer occurred. He now remains a Chelsea player but will be given few chances under Maresca.
Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling pictured pre-match
Sterling failed to secure a summer move(Image: Getty)
The Telegraph now reports that not only were the Cottagers potentially keen on Sterling, but German champions Bayern Munich also inquired about his availability on deadline day.
Such an enquiry was borne out of Nicolas Jackson's once-collapsing loan deal, as the Bavarian club needed reinforcements out wide. Jackson did eventually seal his temporary switch, however, and interest in Sterling dwindled. Italian side Napoli also reportedly enquired about his services.
New signing booed by own fans
One player who has sealed a transfer is Dutch striker Emanuel Emegha, who is set to join Chelsea from Strasbourg in 2026. However, the 22-year-old's decision to depart has not been well-received by fans.
Chelsea and Strasbourg are sister clubs owned by BlueCo. Club captain Emegha's move from one sister side to another has seemingly outraged Strasbourg fans, who held up a banner aimed at him when they faced Le Havre on Sunday.
Emegha pictured for Strasbourg
Emegha was booed by his own supporters on Sunday
"Emegha, pawn of BlueCo. After changing shirt, give back your captain's armband," read the banner held up by the club's ultras, who also booed when the striker was handed his Player of the Month award pre-match despite not playing.
Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior slammed the criticism and told the club's media: "Emanuel Emegha was devastated, and I was too. I am very disappointed by what I saw. Seeing a banner against one of last season's best players is unacceptable. My players deserve much better."
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