It’s been another busy transfer window for Chelsea, with the business set to continue with a deal in the early stages with a Barcelona player.
Chelsea have already signed the likes of Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens and Liam Delap. Additionally, there have also been multiple outgoings at Stamford Bridge. Carney Chukwumueka has joined Borussia Dortmund on a permanent, with the most high profile departure being Noni Madueke. The young winger joined London rivals Arsenal in July for a reported £50 million.
The outgoings are set to continue, with many players linked with moves away in the coming days. Chelsea’s revenue from their sales has allowed them to be active in the transfer market once again. The Blues boast a £13.5 million net spend so far this summer, one of the lowest in the Premier League. As a result, they are looking for more signings to add strength in depth.
Chelsea Explore Move For Barcelona Star
According to David Ornstein, Chelsea are evaluating the possibility of a move for Barcelona midfielder, Fermin Lopez. The deal is still in its early stages, with no club-to-club contact currently.
However, Chelsea have made contact with Lopez’s camp as they explore attacking options in case of exits. Christopher Nkunku and Nicholas Jackson are both heavily linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge before next week’s transfer deadline.
Any deal would likely be a permanent, with Barcelona holding out for £50 million. Lopez’s contract expires in 2029, after the youngster signed a new deal in October 2024.
Lopez’s Career To Date
The 22 year old came through the famous La Masia academy, after joining from Real Betis at 12 years of age. Lopez broke in to the Barcelona first team after a loan spell with third tier Linares during the 2022/2023 season. In the 2023/2024 season, the attacking midfielder scored 11 goals in 43 appearances for Xavi’s side.
Last season, Lopez was sidelined with an injury in the opening months. However, the Spaniard managed to appear 46 times for Hansi Flick’s side, the majority as a substitute. Fortunately, Lopez managed to make a positive impact off the bench, recording eight goals and 10 assists as Barca won the league.
Additionally, the midfielder made his senior Spain debut in June 2024. However, Lopez has only managed to make one further appearance for the European champions.
Is This A Good Move For Both Lopez and Chelsea?
With the likes of Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro, Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo, Andrey Santos and Dario Essugo, it’s incredibly hard to see where Lopez gets game time.
Even though the 21 year old is coming off the bench in most games for Barcelona, his minutes will drastically decrease in a Chelsea side that is oversubscribed in his position.
As for Enzo Maresca’s side, there is better ways of spending £50 million. Currently, Robert Sanchez is the starting league goalkeeper for Chelsea. However, the Spaniard is prone to schoolboy errors, evident in the five-one thrashing of West Ham. Sanchez was at fault for the Hammers opening goal. He was questioned for his lack of attempt to save Lucas Paqueta’s long range strike.
With Gianluigi Donnarumma available on a cut-price deal, it is a no brainer for Chelsea. The Blues aren’t currently in the race for the Italian, with Manchester City the most likely to strike a deal with PSG. However, it is baffling that Maresca continues to stick with a keeper that cost Chelsea points with his mistakes last season. With the Italian’s incredible shot stopping ability, Donnarumma would add the quality and experience needed to properly challenge for the Premier League and Champions League.
Signing Donnarumma would complete the Chelsea title winning jigsaw, as they aim to win the Premier League for the first time since 2017.