Fermin Lopez six-word message spells bad news for Chelsea transfer plans amid Xavi Simons talks

Fermin Lopez is of interest to Chelsea (Image: Javier Borrego/Europa Press)

Hansi Flick could not have been any clearer: "I want to keep everyone here," the Barcelona manager said last week when asked about the club's transfer plans. Yet this week, rumours over the future of Fermin Lopez are beginning to grow.

"I don't want to lose any players now, because it will be a tough season," Flick said. "This quality from Fermin, he is doing really good, from last season, also when we start here, in the new season. I am happy with him and the players, and I want to keep everyone here, because we are happy with the options we have."

Chelsea have since registered their interest in Lopez , with the Blues contacting the 22-year-old's entourage to gauge whether the player would be keen on the prospect of a move to Stamford Bridge. There is yet to be any contact between Chelsea and Barcelona - at the time of writing - but there is a genuine interest in Lopez, who faces stern competition for places at Blaugrana.

The Blues face a big decision in the final four days of the window - do they follow up on their initial interest in Lopez, or do they continue to pursue a deal for Xavi Simons? Chelsea have been in direct club-to-club talks with RB Leipzig for the 22-year-old playmaker for well over a month now, but negotiations have been slow and complicated due to the Blues' desire to offload Christopher Nkunku .

Meanwhile, Chelsea are working on a whole host of outgoings before the summer transfer window closes on Monday. Nicolas Jackson is the name dominating social media at the moment, with the 24-year-old seeking a move away from Stamford Bridge in the coming days - with plenty of interest in his signature.

Chelsea are still trying to find a new destination for Nkunku, who informed the club earlier in the summer that he wanted to depart. Leipzig are exploring a move for the Frenchman but reports from Germany suggest a permanent deal - that Chelsea demand - may prove a difficult option for the Bundesliga club, who sold Nkunku in the summer of 2023.

However, with the signing of Jamie Gittens and the prospective additions of Simons, who can play on the left wing, and Alejandro Garnacho , the young talent is concerned about his pathway into the first team. Roma are currently in talks with Chelsea over a permanent move for George.