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Chelsea have a blossoming interest in Barcelona talent Fermin Lopez. Whether they are able to secure a transfer before deadline day ends, only time will tell.
As football.london understands, Lopez has keen admirers at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have been in touch with the player's camp at this early stage of talks, with club-to-club conversations with Barcelona to potentially come next.
The 22-year-old grew up in Barca's La Masia academy, which he joined in 2016. By 2023 he had been handed a first-team debut by former manager and club legend Xavi Hernandez, then quickly become a squad player.
After Hansi Flick took charge of the Catalan club, Lopez made 46 appearances in all competitions last season and scored eight goals en route to winning the La Liga title ahead of rivals Real Madrid.
So Chelsea's interest can hardly be dubbed surprising. Enzo Maresca continues his search for a midfielder and Lopez is the new name on the list alongside RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons.
Whereas negotiations have proven complicated for the Dutchman, this new Spanish target may prove easier to secure. football.london looks at the latest Chelsea transfer headlines suggesting this.
Lopez boost
Spanish publication COPE have explained Barcelona's tricky situation that can play into Chelsea's hands as they target Lopez.
With the new La Liga campaign underway Flick has been unable to register new signing Roony Bardghji, former Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, and academy graduate Gerard Martin as part of his squad.
This comes down to financial fair play restrictions, which is limiting La Blaugrana's wage bill in relation to their income.
They are actively trying to ship Inaki Pena and Hector Fort off to Elche and Mallorca respectively, however being able to send Lopez to Chelsea would be the 'end to all of Barcelona's problems'.
The only setback is Lopez could prove resistant to leaving the club he has called home since the age of 13.
football.london says: We're into the final days of the summer transfer window so there is no time to waste. If Chelsea are indeed serious about Lopez they need to act now and use every factor - minor or major - to their advantage.
Lopez left 'angry'
Touching upon the same topic, Marca allude to how Barca may actually be playing a role to facilitate Lopez's exit before next Monday's transfer deadline.
With the club in such a desperate place trying to register the players Flick wants in his squad, they have tried to show those who could be moved on how they have little hope of a future with the club.
Lopez played the first half of Barca's La Liga opener win against Mallorca on August 16 before being removed from the action. He was then left on the bench for the entirety of the following trip to Levante on August 23.
'His anger was considerable', according to accounts of those watching on and amid transfer interest from Chelsea has been left to consider his future.
football.london says: If the shoe was on the other foot it may not be nice to see a Cobham graduate with such promise forced out of Chelsea, but football is a ruthless sport in these ways. Here the Blues apparently have a club who look incredibly willing to do business, so I wonder if this one will progress quickly over the weekend if official talks begin.
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