Chelsea have added Barcelona star Fermin Lopez to their shortlist of transfer targets ahead of deadline day.
In fact, it has been claimed that Chelsea have already made one offer for Lopez.
The Blues are also interested in another attacking midfielder, Xavi Simons, but they are struggling to agree a deal with RB Leipzig.
It looks like Lopez could now be an alternative to Simons, who has also been linked with Chelsea‘s London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Enzo Maresca carries the Conference League and Club World Cup trophies after Chelsea v AC Milan - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Enzo Maresca has spoken to Fermin Lopez about Chelsea move
In June, it emerged that Enzo Maresca is a big fan of Lopez, who could now join the 45-year-old at Stamford Bridge.
According to COPE, Maresca has spoken to Lopez a couple of times in a bid to convince the Spaniard to join Chelsea and Barcelona are aware of that.
Lopez is a player whom Hansi Flick will want to keep. Last season, the 22-year-old made 46 appearances in all competitions under the German.
However, Barcelona have financial problems, which could force them to consider a Lopez sale before next Monday’s transfer deadline.
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As well as Lopez, Chelsea could also land Manchester United outcast Alejandro Garnacho in these final days of the transfer window.
Garnacho has said no to a move to Saudi Arabia, with the winger thought to be only interested in a switch to Chelsea.
Fermin Lopez of FC Barcelona with the ball
Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images
Fermin Lopez’s 2024/25 La Liga stats
Lopez played his part in Barcelona winning the 2024/25 La Liga title. In total, the Spain international made 28 appearances and racked up 11 goal contributions.
Fermin Lopez’s 2024/25 La Liga stats Total or average
Appearances 28
Minutes 1,247
Goals 6
Assists 5
Shots per game 1.5
Key passes per game 1
Pass success rate 86.2%
Via WhoScored
All in all, Lopez is a creative player with a lot of potential. He could be a very good alternative to Cole Palmer in the No.10 position if Chelsea sign him.
It would have been great if Maresca had Lopez or Simons for the weekend. Palmer could miss the Fulham game due to a groin problem that kept him out of the Blues’ win against West Ham United last Friday.