Barcelona attacker Fermin Lopez has emerged as a target for Chelsea in the final days of the summer transfer window.
Chelsea have been prioritising RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons and Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho.
However, it now looks as though Lopez could be signed as an alternative to at least one of the two. It has been claimed that Chelsea have already made an offer for Lopez, who made 46 appearances for Barcelona last season.
Despite being a regular under Hansi Flick during the 2024/25 campaign, an exit before the transfer market closes appears to be possible.
Fermin Lopez of FC Barcelona runs with the ball during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Athletic Club and FC Barcelona
Photo by Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images
Chelsea offer Fermin Lopez leading role in team
In June, it was reported that Enzo Maresca is a huge fan of Lopez, and it looks like the Chelsea manager could be ready to make him a key part of his team.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Lopez has been guaranteed a starring role at Chelsea if he joins the Blues this summer.
It is quite a guarantee to make when you consider all of the attacking options that Maresca already has.
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The 45-year-old can currently call upon the likes of Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens. And if Chelsea do go on to sign Garnacho, for example, that is another forward player whom Lopez may have to compete against.
The Spaniard can operate as an attacking midfielder and a left winger, while he also has experience playing in central midfield. That versatility is perhaps one reason why Lopez appeals to Maresca, Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley.
Chelsea sporting director Paul Winstanley looks on during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Newcastle
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Fermin Lopez given deadline to respond
While Chelsea may be keen to sign Lopez, it seems they are not going to give the Spain international until the end of the transfer window to make a decision.
Mundo Deportivo’s report states that Lopez has been given a 48-hour deadline to decide whether he wants to move to Stamford Bridge or not.
Should the Blues land Lopez, it will be very interesting to see what happens with their pursuits of Simons and Garnacho.