Chelsea given new price to sign Barcelona star after Enzo Maresca phone call

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea have been quoted a new price to sign Fermin Lopez from Barcelona after Enzo Maresca held talks with the Spain forward.

The Blues are still working on a number of deals ahead of the transfer deadline on Monday night.

Chelsea have finally agreed a deal 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 but the club are not ready to conclude their transfer business just yet.

Chelsea wanted to sign Netherlands star Xavi Simons as well as Garnacho but Tottenham have jumped to the front of that particular transfer race.

Simons agreed personal terms with Chelsea earlier in the summer 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.

Barcelona and Spain star Fermin Lopez (Picture: Getty)

That will leave Chelsea to turn to alternative targets and the Blues have already expressed interest in signing Spain international Lopez from Barcelona.

Chelsea reportedly made an opening bid for Lopez, worth around £43m, earlier in the week but saw their offer rejected by Barca .

Barcelona were thought to be holding out for around £60m but Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo say the La Liga champions have now raised their demands to 90m euros (£78m).

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick (Picture: Getty)

The report claims Barca insist Lopez is not for sale but will of course 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 two clubs have also taken place, with both Hansi Flick and Deco indicating they want Lopez to stay but will not stand in his way if he pushes to leave.

Lopez made more 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 part of the squad that won Euro 2024 last summer.

Barcelona have enjoyed a bright start to the 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 time out after an opening-day draw with Crystal Palace.