Chelsea have been linked with moves for Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho for what feels like an eternity now. Yet, we have always been told that the Blues cannot make a move unless they have parted ways with players like Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson first. That is why the news coming out of Spain today has caught everybody offguard.
Chelsea have been linked with a variety of players all summer. Quite a few of them were on the books at Barcelona, who continue to deal with seemingly never-ending financial issues.
One of the players Chelsea seemingly have had an interest in for a while is Fermin Lopez. And if reports in the Spanish media are accurate, then they have taken their first step towards trying to sign him.
As reported by SPORT, Chelsea have made their move and submitted a firm offer to sign Lopez for £50 million. Barcelona are considering the London club's proposal, which, if accepted, would be the solution to its financial fair play problems.
Chelsea submit official £50m offer for Barcelona player
Just like Simons, Lopez plays in the number 10 role or on the left flank. And that is a similar transfer fee as well. So, if Chelsea do end up signing the Barcelona player, there is very little chance they would want the Dutchman as well. One has to wonder whether this is why the saga has dragged on for so long.
Of course, this does not mean that Chelsea will be successful in signing Lopez. There are a lot of factors still at play. But the news does come completely out of the blue, if you will.
Chelsea have shown that they have the ability to move in silence. That is why we have never really ruled out the possibility of them going out and signing a centre-back before the transfer window closes as well.