After breaking the bank for Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, most fans assumed Chelsea’s midfield business was complete. But Enzo Maresca is building a long-term project — and he’s reportedly eager to add a creative, technically sharp operator to complement the existing engine room.
Lopez fits that mould perfectly. The 21-year-old La Masia graduate has already shown flashes of class at Barça with his ability to glide through midfield, link play, and pop up with crucial goals.
Maresca, who values intelligent, versatile players, is said to be a huge admirer of Lopez and sees him as someone who could develop into a key piece of Chelsea’s future.
Fabrizio Romano: “Chelsea Love Fermin Lopez”
Speaking in a recent transfer update, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Lopez is a player Chelsea will not be forgetting anytime soon:
“The player Chelsea like at Barcelona remains Fermin Lopez,” Romano said. “They love him because they see potential in him to cover several positions. They believe he can develop into something even more special.”
Chelsea reportedly made a £35 million offer late in the summer to test Barça’s resolve — but the Catalan giants didn’t even blink. They value Lopez at nearly double that figure and see him as part of their long-term core under Hansi Flick.
Still, that bid sent a message: Chelsea are serious.
“If Chelsea sent a bid in the final days of the transfer window,” Romano added, “it was to show ambition — they wanted to try.”
Lopez, for now, wants to stay in Spain and fight for his place. But as every fan knows, football moves fast — and the Blues are ready to be first in line if his situation changes.
Marc Casado Links Cool Off
Reports also linked Chelsea with another La Masia midfielder, Marc Casado, but Romano has played those rumours down.
“I’m not aware of Chelsea being active in negotiations for Casado,” he clarified. “Appreciating a player is one thing. Starting discussions is another.”
With Caicedo hitting top form and Romeo Lavia returning from injury, Chelsea’s defensive midfield options look stacked — meaning Casado is unlikely to be pursued for now.
