Chelsea launch HUGE bid to sign Joao Felix replacement

Cameron Smith

11 Feb 2025 10:00 CST
3 min read

Chelsea are reportedly willing to double Fermin Lopez’s salary as they look to sign the Barcelona star in 2025.

The Spain international has been heavily linked with a Premier League transfer in recent weeks, amid interest from both Aston Villa and Manchester United, and Chelsea have now joined the race to sign him.

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Fermin has only started five La Liga matches so far this season and Chelsea reportedly view him as an ideal transfer target in their bid to sign a new midfielder.

Furthermore, Enzo Maresca’s side are even open to doubling Fermin’s annual salary of €4 million in order to complete a deal this summer, according to El Nacional.

However, the 21-year-old is set to snub interest from the Stamford Bridge exit to remain at Barcelona for the foreseeable future. Fermin reportedly wants to establish himself as a key player at Camp Nou and he isn’t interested in entertaining the possibility of a summer transfer.

© IMAGO - Fermin Lopez (left) with Lamine Yamal at Euro 2024

Chelsea want Fermin Lopez

Chelsea’s interest in Fermin comes amid their pursuit of a new midfielder to provide cover for Cole Palmer.

The England international has moved into a No.10 role under Maresca and Joao Felix’s loan move to AC Milan means that Christopher Nkunku is the only adequate deputy should injury befall the former Manchester City academy starlet.

Fermin is naturally a more attacking midfielder than the likes of Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, meaning he would be able to play a back-up role to Palmer if Chelsea are able to complete a deal with Barcelona.

However, the Spaniard wants to stay at Camp Nou and a summer transfer is therefore extremely unlikely.

Kendry Paez could be used as Palmer’s deputy next season, if Nkunku departs, although the Ecuador wonderkid is set to be eased into first-team life at Chelsea upon his imminent arrival from Independiente del Valle.