Chelsea have been quoted a brand new price to sign Fermin Lopez from Barcelona after Enzo Maresca held talks with the Spain forward.
The Blues are still working on numerous deals ahead of the transfer deadline on Monday night.
Chelsea have finally agreed a cope with Manchester United to sign Alejandro Garnacho, with the Argentina international set to undergo a medical at Stamford Bridge on Friday.
Garnacho’s move to west London will take Chelsea’s summer spending towards £300m however the club aren’t able to conclude their transfer business just yet.
Chelsea desired to sign Netherlands star Xavi Simons in addition to Garnacho but Tottenham have jumped to the front of that specific transfer race.
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Simons agreed personal terms with Chelsea earlier in the summertime but Spurs have hijacked the deal after presenting RB Leipzig with a £60m bid.
Chelsea are still considering matching Tottenham’s offer but as things stand the north London club look set to win the race to bring Simons to the Premier League.
That may leave Chelsea to show to alternative targets and the Blues have already expressed interest in signing Spain international Lopez from Barcelona.
Chelsea reportedly made a gap bid for Lopez, price around £43m, earlier within the week but saw their offer rejected by Barca.
Barcelona were regarded as holding out for around £60m but Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo say the La Liga champions have now raised their demands to 90m euros (£78m).
The report claims Barca insist Lopez is just not on the market but will in fact be prepared to sell if an ‘irresistible’ offer lands on the table.
Lopez is believed to be seriously considering his future at Barcelona and has reportedly had multiple phone calls with Chelsea manager Maresca.
Talks between the 2 clubs have also taken place, with each Hansi Flick and Deco indicating they need Lopez to remain but is not going to stand in his way if he pushes to go away.
Lopez made greater than 40 appearances for Barcelona last season, helping Flick’s side win a sensational treble and reach the semi-finals of the Champions League.
He also has earned two caps for Spain and was a part of the squad that won Euro 2024 last summer.
Barcelona have enjoyed a brilliant begin to the brand new La Liga season, beating Mallorca and Levante. They face Rayo Vallecano this weekend.
Chelsea have also impressed, thrashing London rivals West Ham 5-1 last outing after an opening-day draw with Crystal Palace.
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