A new name has emerged as a genuine target for Chelsea as they look to put the final touches on their summer transfer window.
Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez has cropped up as a potential attacking audition for the Blues, who are still looking for reinforcements despite adding Estevao Willian, Jamie Gittens, Joao Pedro and Liam Delap.
Spanish media have reported that Chelsea have already made a bid for Lopez, with less than a week left of the summer transfer window.
It has been said that Chelsea have assured Lopez that he will be a key player at Stamford Bridge should he move, after spending time competing with plenty of other players for his place in the side.
Fermin Lopez warms up during Levante UD v FC Barcelona - LaLiga EA Sports
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
With there being just a few days of the window left though, there are clearly plenty of things the club will have to find out about the player to make sure he is the right fit for what Enzo Maresca needs.
Fabrizio Romano has stated that Chelsea contacted Lopez’s agent to ask four big questions about the Spaniard, including finding out about his current contract, and whether he would even be open to the move.
He said: “Chelsea spoke to the player’s agent. There was a direct contact between the agents of Fermin Lopez and Chelsea to discuss about the situation of the player, to ask about the situation of Fermin Lopez, to understand the eventual contact details, so Chelsea wanted to be informed on the situation.
“Something like: ‘How much is the salary? How is the contract situation? How is it going at Barcelona? Would the player be open to leaving? For the moment, there is no bid.”
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Todd Boehly celebrates Chelsea beating Real Betis in the Conference League final.
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Fermin Lopez’s impressive Barcelona stats
Despite by no means being a guaranteed starter at Barcelona, Lopez has registered some impressive stats over the past two seasons at the Nou Camp.
Fermin Lopez Barcelona stats Games Goals Assists
2024/25 46 8 10
2023/24 43 11 1
Playing predominantly in the centre, although also contributing from out on the left, his profile on paper looks similar to that of Xavi Simons, who Chelsea have been strongly linked to this summer.
Simons has agreed personal terms with the Blues, however it has been said that they are waiting on player sales before pushing forward with that deal.
It remains to be seen whether their head could be turned towards Lopez though, especially if they do find out that a deal is possible in the next few days.