Chelsea missed out on Xavi Simons after weeks of negotiating with RB Leipzig for the 22-year-old future superstar – if he isn’t considered one already – and while that was a disappointment, it’s not as though the Blues showed a whole lot of urgency with the deal anyway.
The Blues have been splitting their interests, showing an involvement in multiple attacking midfield transfer targets. Manchester United youngster Alejandro Garnacho, for example, should be heading to Stamford Bridge soon.
And now that Chelsea have sold transfer bust Christopher Nkunku, another former RB Leipzig superstar, to AC Milan in Italy, the Blues have a bigger opening for an attacking midfielder.
Even during their pursuit of Simons, Chelsea began to show more interest in Fermin Lopez once they saw the possibility of the Barcelona playmaker being available.
Chelesa are bidding 40 million
And now, according to a report from Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have “submitted” an “official” transfer proposal to the Blaugrana for the young Fermin, with the deal worth 40 million euros in total.
Later reporting from Romano indicates that Barcelona still aren’t interested in selling Fermin, but they apparently will not block the 22-year-old midfielder from leaving Catalunya if he himself would like to go.
Fermin appears undecided on his future at Barcelona, because while it seems like he has an affinity for the club like so many homegrown players who have fought hard to get a spot in the rotation, his representation and others seem to be pushing him to the opportunity at Chelsea.
It is tough for an attacking midfielder to break through at Barcelona with Pedri, Xavi, and Dani Olmo in midfield, not to mention any other La Masia standotus who will come through the ranks, too.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have a Ballon d’Or candidate in Cole Palmer but not a whole lot else, and Garnacho could end up getting more minutes on the wings than the midfield.
Lopez has proved himself an asset to Hansi Flick and Barcelona after being linked with a transfer to the Premier League last year, but if he thinks he has the chance to play more and make more money at Stamford Bridge under the bright lights of English football, maybe Chelsea can convince him to join – and sweeten the pot for Barcelona by offering something closer to the 70 million euros Barca appear to be hoping for.
Chelsea continue to push for young, up-and-coming transfers, and after missing out on Simons a double-swoop for Fermin and Garnacho wouldn’t be a bad consolation prize by any means.
Joe Soriano is the editor of The Trivela Effect and a FanSided Hall of Famer who has covered world football since 2011. He’s led top digital communities like The Real Champs (Real Madrid) and has contributed to sites covering Tottenham, Liverpool, Juventus, and Schalke. Joe’s work has appeared in ESPN, Bleacher Report, and Sports Illustrated. He also helped manage NFL Spin Zone and Daily DDT, covering the NFL and pro wrestling, respectively.