Chelsea submit €40m bid for Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez | OneFootball

Chelsea have been very active in the summer transfer window, but they’re not done yet.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Blues have officially sent in a formal bid for highly rated Barcelona attacking midfielder Fermin Lopez.

The Blues are willing to pay around €40 million (£36.6m) for the 22-year-old, who has emerged as a target after the club missed out on Xavi Simons.

Lopez is a versatile attacking midfielder who can play off the left flank, as a number ten or as a false nine.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has previously hinted that he would like to play with two number tens, so Lopez would link up with Cole Palmer behind a striker.

The Spanish midfielder caught the eye last season, bagging six goals and five assists in 26 La Liga outings despite struggling to nail down a permanent spot in the starting line-up.

Chelsea have stepped up their interest in Lopez after sanctioning Christopher Nkunku’s move to AC Milan in a deal worth around £36m.

The Frenchman’s exit left a gap in Chelsea’s options in attacking midfield, and they want Lopez to fill the void. However, luring him away from Barca will not be a cakewalk.

Cashing in on Lopez will significantly ease Barcelona’s financial situation, but they consider him a key part of their squad.

The Blaugranas are not actively looking to sell and would only consider a deal if the player asks to leave the club. If that happens, Barca will demand a fee closer to £52m.

Manager Hansi Flick has already made it clear that he expects the midfielder to remain at Barca, so Chelsea may find it difficult to prise him away.