EXPLAINED: Will Chelsea succeed in signing Barcelona's Fermin Lopez before EPL transfer deadline?

In recent years, the English Premier League transfer market has been dominated by Chelsea when it comes to the number of signings. So much so that there have been jokes and memes on the fact that they have enough players to field two teams or maybe, even three. According to reports, the Blues are setting their sights on a huge signing from the La Liga.

Fermin Lopez, currently with Barcelona, is considered a big target by those at Stamford Bridge. While Chelsea are yet to contact Barcelona directly on this topic, there have been talks with the player's camp for starters. It must be noted that Chelsea were also actively seeking to gain the services of RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons and at the moment, that deal also seems to be in the mix. If Chelsea do sign Xavi, they might opt out of the Lopez deal for now. Although, with Chelsea, you are never sure as they could want to create a casting coup by signing both players.

According to football analyst David Ornstein, key representatives from Chelsea have had preliminary discussions with Lopez's agents. There hasn't been a figure quoted yet, as things are at a very nascent stage. If the Blues wish to further this deal, they would have to inform Barcelona directly. The lack of potential gametime for Lopez could be a factor in the player's decision, should it come to that.

Currently, Barcelona has Ferran Torres as the center forward with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal on the wings. Robert Lewandowski is the back up striker and with Dani Olmo also an attacking option, Lopez's chances seem limited. He didn't feature in the defending champions's previous clash against Levante.

However, the situation isn't too different at Chelsea who also have an overload of attacking options in the mix. Liam Delap, Pedro Neto, Joao Pedro and Estevao are the attacking options for Enzo Maresca's men with latest signing Jamie Gittens also raring to go. There is also the possibility of Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho making a move to Stamford Bridge.

t shall be interesting to see which way this deal goes and the key part will be whether Lopez wants a switch or not. He had a fairly efficient 2024-25 La Liga season with six goals and five assists from 28 games, playing a pivotal part in Barcelona's title-winning campaign.