Details of a stunning swap deal proposed by Chelsea to Barcelona have emerged, with the Catalan giants responding immediately.
After securing a spot in next season’s Champions League and claiming the Conference League title within a matter of days, Chelsea have wasted no time strengthening their squad for the upcoming campaign.
The club beat out several Premier League rivals to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich for £30 million. The former Manchester City forward has penned a six-year contract with the Blues.
Additionally, Chelsea completed the signing of young talent Dario Essugo from Sporting CP in a deal worth around £18.5 million, which was announced last week.
With two Champions League titles to their name, Chelsea are expected to stay active in the transfer market. Reports also suggest they recently approached Barcelona with a proposal involving midfielder Fermin Lopez.
Chelsea reportedly offered a swap deal, suggesting Christopher Nkunku in exchange for Lopez. However, according to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona turned down the offer immediately. Manager Hansi Flick, club president Joan Laporta, and other top officials still consider Lopez a key player in the squad.
Although not always a starter, Lopez has attracted interest from other clubs. He competes with the likes of Dani Olmo and Gavi and contributed eight goals and ten assists across 46 appearances in all competitions last season.
Fermin Lopez, who extended his contract with Barcelona until 2029 last October and scored in the decisive match against Espanyol to clinch the title, has recently reiterated his commitment to the La Liga champions.
“I’m not considering leaving or anything like that,” Lopez stated during an interview with Tu Diras de RAC1.
“I’m very happy at Barcelona. It’s always been my dream, and I definitely want to stay.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea are also eyeing another Spanish talent — Nico Williams.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Athletic Club winger is a top target for both Chelsea and Arsenal, with both Premier League sides willing to spend significantly to land the highly-rated player.
Currently, both Lopez and Williams are concentrating on achieving more success with the Spanish national team as they prepare to face Portugal in the Nations League final on Sunday.
