Chelsea are considering making an offer for Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez as the Blues look to strengthen ahead of the transfer deadline.
The Blues are in contact with the Spanish international’s representatives but are yet to follow up on their interest by making an official bid.
Lopez is a key player at Barcelona with the 22-year-old fast approaching a century of appearances for the club’s first team.
The midfielder featured in 46 matches in all competitions last season, contributing eight goals and 10 assists.
This included Lopez scoring six goals and providing five assists in LaLiga, helping Barcelona to claim the domestic title.
Lopez played 45 minutes of Barcelona’s season opener against Real Mallorca last week, but was on the bench throughout their 3-2 victory over Levante at the weekend.
Chelsea are considering making a move for Barcelona and Spain international Fermin Lopez
Lopez, left, was part of the Barcelona side who were crowned LaLiga champions last season
The Catalan giants boast a wealth of midfield options, with Pedri and Marc Casado starting at the weekend, while Gavi came off the bench.
Barcelona can also call upon Frankie de Jong, Dani Olmo and Marc Bernal in the centre of the pitch.
Lopez made his debut for Spain last summer in a victory over Andorra, while he played in one match as the national team triumphed at Euro 2024.
The 22-year-old has not featured for the national team since.
A sale potential could help ease Barcelona’s financial position, which could allow the club to register Wojciech Szczesny, Roony Bardgjhi and Gerard Martin.
Chelsea have already made six signings this summer with forwards Joao Pedro and Liam Delap joining for £60m and £30m respectively.
Winger Jamie Gittens signed in a £55m deal from Borussia Dortmund, with Jorrel Hato and Dario Essugo other notable additions at £37m and £18.5m.
Brazilian teenager Estevao also completed a £29m move this summer, although the deal was agreed one year ago.
Joao Pedro is among the six signings Chelsea have already made this transfer window
Chelsea’s summer spend would surpass £250m but they have nearly covered fees with sales
Carney Chukwuemeka became the latest departure from Chelsea, joining Dortmund for £24m
A deal for Lopez would see Chelsea’s summer spend pass the £250m mark, but the Blues have almost covered their transfer outlay in sales, with £238m recouped.
Carney Chukwuemeka was the latest to depart in a £24m move to Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday.
Noni Madueke and Joao Felix were among the big-name departures, with the pair leaving the club for £52m and £26m respectively in moves to Arsenal and Al-Nassr.
Djordje Petrovic, Lesley Ugochukwu, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Renato Veiga and Armando Broja are among those to have left for sizeable fees.
