Chelsea have submitted a €65 million offer for Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez, according to reports in Spain.
The 22-year-old has emerged as a key target for Enzo Maresca’s side in recent days and they have now increased their bid as they look to finalise a transfer before the end of Deadline Day on 1 September.
In fact, Enzo Maresca has reportedly informed Fermin that he would immediately become an “important player” at Stamford Bridge in an attempt to persuade the Spaniard to leave his boyhood club this summer.
Chelsea are also set to offer Fermin the chance to double his current salary, although Barcelona have been reluctant to offload the midfielder so far this window.
Chelsea to sign Fermin Lopez?
Although Chelsea are yet to finalise an agreement to bring Fermin to the club, the Barcelona star is reportedly “seriously considering” their offer as he assesses whether or not to leave Camp Nou this summer.
The 22-year-old faces significant competition for places under Hansi Flick and he only started 12 La Liga matches last season as a result.
Despite this, he confirmed his desire to remain at Barcelona amid significant links with Manchester United in early August.
“I want to stay here. It’s my dream and I will stay, I’m happy to help the team,” Fermin told reporters after the Joan Gamper Trophy.
“Many things have been said, but I am going to continue defending these colours and working as hard as anyone else, so that the Catalans are calm.”
Chelsea are also interested in signing RB Leipzig superstar Xavi Simons, although Tottenham Hotspur are attempting to hijack their deal for the Dutchman and he is currently in London to discuss a move to Thomas Frank’s side.
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