Chelsea have offered €75m (£63m) for Barcelona attacking midfielder Fermin Lopez, according to reports in Spain.
TV programme El Chiringuito (via Football Espana) claim that the Blues are keen on securing the services of the 22-year-old.
Lopez had a good campaign for Barca, scoring 8 times and registering 10 assists in 48 appearances, but competition for places may force him out of the Camp Nou.
Dani Olmo and Gavi also prefer to play in similar areas, while things could get even more crowded if Luis Diaz is signed from Liverpool and Raphinha is moved to the No.10 position.
Lopez has been praised by his international manager
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente was very complimentary about the midfielder’s abilities after including him in his squad for the Nations League finals. He described him as an “extraordinary kid with exceptional energy”.
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Lopez was an unused substitute during the 5-4 victory over France in the semi-final on Thursday night, and it remains to be seen whether he will get any minutes in the final when Spain take on Portugal this weekend.
Why do Chelsea want to sign him?
Both Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix can provide cover for Cole Palmer in the advanced midfield role, but neither player is expected to remain at Stamford Bridge beyond the summer.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano has reiterated recently that Nkunku does not have a future at the club and he is set to leave after two disappointing seasons with the Blues.
Felix spent the second half of last season at AC Milan. However, he struggled to make a good impression in Italy and there are reports in Portugal that suggest that he wants to return to his first club, Benfica.
In that context, it is understandable why Lopez is being pursued, although the fee proposed does seem pretty high for a player who may not start every week.
In other news, fans have been debating how much money Chelsea should spend on signing a new No.1 goalkeeper