Fermin Lopez to Chelsea transfer update as £34.6m decision made amid Barcelona stance

Chelsea have made their move for Barcelona star Fermin Lopez. (Image: (Photo by Pablo Rodriguez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images))

Chelsea look to have been very busy in the immediate aftermath of their 2-0 Premier League win vs Fulham at Stamford Bridge. Goals from Joao Pedro and Enzo Fernandez sealed the points, but Enzo Maresca did lose Liam Delap to injury.

That blow follows Cole Palmer missing the last two games because of a groin issue with the Blues boss issuing a concerning update on Delap after the game.

"Liam's injury doesn't look good in terms of, he was full speed, hamstring, so that required, like always, weeks," he admitted in his post-match press conference.

"And then in terms of another striker, to be honest, we just finished the game from the changing room and came here for the press conference, so now after, when we finish, we're going to sit and we'll see if we take any decision. That's all."

And it does not look as though Chelsea have stopped there with a bid for Fermin Lopez, who emerged as a summer target earlier this month , submitted to Barcelona, as per journalist Fabrizio Romano.

He wrote on X: "EXCLUSIVE: Chelsea send official written proposal to Barcelona for Fermín López! Initial proposal worth €40m has been submitted this afternoon right after the game.

" #CFC awaiting answer from Barça after sending a proposal today."

With it certainly seeming as though only £34.6million has been submitted, it is no surprise that Barcelona do not look as though they will sanction an exit.

"Barcelona maintain their position: no plans to sell Fermín López this summer following Chelsea bid," Romano added in his next post. "The only way for Fermín exit would be in case he decides to leave, with future now in player's hands.

Xavi Simons was linked to joining Chelsea throughout the summer window, but he has since been confirmed as a Tottenham player with it appearing as though focus from west London was elsewhere.

Deals for Alejandro Garnacho and Facundo Buonanotte with Manchester United and Brighton Hove Albion, respectively, have recently been agreed with a third attacking addition wanted by Maresca before Monday's deadline.

For that to be Lopez, an improved offer will likely be needed alongside the Spaniard making it clear he wants to join Chelsea.