Chelsea and Manchester United are reportedly set to battle it out for 22-year-old Barcelona whizkid Fermin Lopez in the summer transfer window.
Chelsea’s summer spending spree could be set to continue, with the club preparing a €60 million move for Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez, a player also attracting serious interest from Manchester United.
According to a report by Caught Offside, Chelsea see the Olympics 2024 gold medalist as a perfect fit for Enzo Maresca’s project at Stamford Bridge, and the West Londoners are ready to step up their pursuit once the signing of Xavi Simons is wrapped up.
A proven talent
Fermin Lopez, 22, has enjoyed a breakout year at the Catalan club, registering eight goals and ten assists from midfield last season. The Spaniard’s creativity, technical ability, and an eye for goal have not gone unnoticed, with Premier League scouts following him closely.
Manchester United are admirers, but Chelsea’s intent, backed by an aggressive transfer strategy, could see them move ahead in the race. While Fermin is not actively seeking an exit, Barcelona’s ongoing financial troubles mean a substantial offer could force them to cash in. Club insiders in Catalonia have admitted there is a split in opinion over whether to let the Spain international leave, but a sizeable fee would be hard to refuse.
Fermin Lopez: An elite prospect
If Chelsea sign the Spanish international, the highly-rated playmaker would join a growing list of elite prospects to arrive in SW6 this summer, including Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Estevao Willian, and Jorrel Hato.
Maresca’s recruitment drive has been built around assembling a young, dynamic core capable of developing together and dominating for years to come. Adding a La Masia-educated midfielder like Fermin Lopez would bring both quality and pedigree, given Barcelona’s history of producing technically gifted players who thrive at the highest level.
This is exactly the kind of deal Chelsea fans have come to expect from the new regime. With Maresca looking to mould a midfield capable of controlling games and unlocking stubborn defences, Fermin Lopez could be the next piece of a very exciting puzzle at Stamford Bridge.