
Chelsea submit improved offer for Fermin Lopez
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea have tabled a revised offer for the services of Barcelona attacking midfielder Fermin Lopez.
According to a report from SPORT, Chelsea are willing to go all out to sign Barcelona sensation Fermin Lopez. The Blues have tabled an improved offer for the La Masia graduate and are hoping it could force the Catalan giants to change their stance with regards to the Spanish international’s future.
Lopez joined the Barcelona youth setup back in 2016. He went up the ranks at some pace and got promoted to the first team in the summer of 2023. He has gone from strength to strength over the last two seasons and has established himself as a key figure in their squad.
While he is not a guaranteed starter under Hansi Flick, he does have a very important role. Last season, he racked up just over 2,000 minutes of first-team action in his 46 outings across competitions and finished with eight goals and 10 assists.
His impressive performances have put him on the radar of Chelsea, who are always on the lookout for opportunities to sign the best young players. The Blues are looking to make the most out of Barcelona’s financial struggles and are looking to lure the player with a better financial package and a prominent role in their team.
Ezo Maresca has already given the green light to the move and is more than willing to hand him a very important role. The Blues have been working on a potential transfer for some time. Their initial offer was worth €58 million, but they have now raised it to €65 million to force Barcelona to rethink.
Will Barcelona change their stance?
Lopez’s contract at Barcelona runs until the summer of 2029, and the Catalan giants have no intention of negotiating his departure. With him a key part of Flick’s plans, the club’s management have ruled out a potential transfer.
However, with Chelsea ready to pay €65 million as a fixed fee, Barcelona could reconsider their stance, as it would provide a significant financial boost. While registrations do not depend on Lopez’s departure, his sale could still be of great help.
The improved offer underlines Chelsea’s seriousness in their pursuit, with the Premier League side willing to offer the player an even better deal if needed. They are already prepared to double his wages and hand him a prominent role in the team. While Lopez remains committed to succeeding at Barcelona, this opportunity may not be easy to turn down.