Chelsea are still plotting another approach for Spanish midfielder. Although, he has made his stance clear.
Spanish midfielder wants to stay put, Chelsea still keen
Fermin Lopez was a name buzzing around Stamford Bridge during the summer. Chelsea tested the waters with a £36m bid but walked away empty-handed. The Spanish midfielder doesn’t look in any rush to leave Camp Nou.
Reports suggest he’s told Barcelona he wants to stay, even if the Premier League giants circle again in January. And that’s a problem for the Blues, who really need more flair and control in the middle of the park. Lopez ticks off all the boxes on the pitch, it just appears that his heart is with Barca for now.
The Catalan club’s finances could open the door. Barcelona aren’t exactly sitting pretty with their books. A £40m deal is tempting money for a player who’s still just 22. That’s why Chelsea haven’t lost hope.
The Blues know Barcelona have sold talent before under pressure. So, Lopez could be another case if the price is right. The real question is whether Chelsea can sell the project to him. They have to convince him to swap La Liga for the PL grind.
Blues’ gamble in January
Chelsea need midfield balance if they want to close the gap on rival PL clubs. Lopez is gifted with technique and vision. He could be the man to bring that spark. Signing him now would be about more than the present. It’s about building a squad with a future.
The Blues have a key call to make. Pay over the odds in January, and they risk repeating old mistakes. Wait too long, and another club might pounce. Lopez has the talent to become a key man in England, but the west London side need more than money to win this race. They need a clear plan that convinces him to leave his boyhood club.
Author’s Opinion:
Chelsea should chase Lopez, but not at any cost. If they can land him for the right fee, it’s worth the risk. Overpaying would only pile more pressure on both the club and the player.
