The transfer window is well behind us. Chelsea have done quite an admirable job in the summer, having secured the services of players like Joao Pedro, Alejandro Garnacho, Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Jorrel Hato, among others. Additionally, they have also successfully parted ways with players who were surplus to the club’s requirements and did not feature in their long-term plans.
That said, in the final days of the summer transfer window, Chelsea did face some disappointments. They lost the race for Xavi Simons, who was on their radar for the better part of the summer but ended up joining city rivals Tottenham, despite having agreed personal terms with the Blues beforehand.
Chelsea did refocus on landing the signature of the Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez as a replacement signing but ultimately failed in that pursuit as well. However, that does not mean the Blues' interest in the Spanish international has vanished, and they may approach the La Liga side again in the future.
Meanwhile, it looks like Chelsea might not be alone in the race for the Barcelona midfielder either. According to TBR Football, Lopez was the subject of enquiries from Manchester City in the summer.
Chelsea handed €60m transfer blow by Manchester City
To be honest, a move is a distant possibility, as Lopez has recently made it clear that he is happy at Barcelona and wants to fulfil his contract with the club. It runs until 2029.
That said, the 22-year-old midfielder is yet to nail down a regular spot in Hansi Flick’s starting XI. A continuation of this might change the player’s mind in the future. Let's see if he gets more consistent chances moving forward.
Interestingly, the situation he would face at Chelsea isn't too different as Lopez primarily operates in the number 10 role, and there is very little chance that Cole Palmer will be benched in favour of the Spaniard too often. He would get his chances in the absence of the English international or as part of the rotation to give him rest.