Exclusive: Chelsea’s new Fermin Lopez transfer plan revealed
Chelsea are still interested in Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez after making a deadline-day move for the attacking midfielder, sources have told Football Insider.
Enzo Maresca’s side reportedly made a bid of around £36million for the 22-year-old, but he opted to remain with his boyhood club.
After missing out on the Spaniard, Chelsea signed Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Brighton in a late window move.
Sources say that the Blues will consider returning for Lopez in January, but a deal seems extremely hard to do given his commitment to Barcelona.
Chelsea will struggle to get Lopez deal over the line
Despite the fact that Chelsea still admire Lopez and would jump at any opportunity to get a deal over the line, it is now unlikely that he will make the switch to Stamford Bridge.
After the West London side’s approach in the closing stages of the summer window, the Spanish international came out and made it clear that he wants to honour his contract at Barcelona.
Lopez has been with the Catalan giants since 2016 and has progressed through the academy ranks and into the senior side.
His current deal runs until 2029 and Chelsea would not only need to convince the player to make the move to Stamford Bridge, but also to increase their original bid of £40m to have any chance of completing the transfer.
Raheem Sterling makes Chelsea exit decision
Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling is now set to remain at Chelsea until January after changing his mind on a move to a league where the transfer window is still open, sources have told Football Insider.
Both Fulham and West Ham held an interest in Sterling during the latter stages of the window but never made an official approach for the winger.
A move to Turkey or Saudi Arabia is still an option for the 30-year-old, as both countries have later transfer deadlines than the Premier League.
However, as things stand, the out-of-favour attacker is happy to stay at Stamford Bridge despite not playing, and Chelsea will not be forcing him out the door.
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