Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Chelsea have been linked with a few Barcelona players in recent years, including Jules Kounde and Fermin Lopez.
A move for Kounde seems unlikely after the arrivals of Maxence Lacroix and Marco Palestra. Kounde can play at both centre-back and right-back, but Chelsea have those two positions covered.
As for Lopez, it will be interesting to see whether they make a fresh move for the attacking midfielder.
Chelsea's potential XI for cup games
Chelsea's potential XI for cup games
Chelsea could revisit interest in Fermin Lopez
Chelsea have tried to sign Lopez in the past, and it looks like he could become an option for the Club World Cup holders again.
Journalist Simon Phillips recently shared on Si Phillips Talks Chelsea that Lopez’s name has been mentioned to him as the Blues weigh up bringing in another midfielder.
They are set to sign Jordan Henderson on a free transfer following his release from Brentford, but the club may not stop there.
Lopez would have been part of Spain’s World Cup-winning team had it not been for a fracture he suffered at the end of last season.
The 23-year-old can play in the No.10 role or a bit deeper in midfield, which is likely to appeal to Chelsea.
Fermin Lopez of FC Barcelona
Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Fermin Lopez hasn’t found Chelsea project exciting in the past
It is probably going to take some convincing for Lopez to leave Barcelona for Chelsea.
Last year, it was reported that Lopez did not find Chelsea’s project as exciting as playing under Hansi Flick. With the Blues not playing in the Champions League in the new season, that is unlikely to change for the time being.
A lot has been said about Chelsea’s project under BlueCo, which has not really taken off despite success in the Club World Cup and Conference League.
Chelsea are yet to seriously challenge for the Premier League or Champions League, with many feeling that their squad is too young. They have tried to correct that by signing more experienced pros this summer like Henderson and Danny Welbeck.