Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was hit with a disappointing transfer. (Photo: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Chelsea are in the market for a new offensive midfielder, but they run out of time to bring someone to Stamford Bridge. They have already missed Xavi Simons and now they’ve slipped out of reach of another target.
It was widely reported last week that Chelsea had strengthened Barcelona’s interest in Fermin Lopez. The 22-year-old was presented with an offer, which was rejected, but there was hope given that he could ultimately make a deal with La Liga champions.
Barcelona had no plans to say goodbye to Lopez. The only way he can make a deal is if he asks him to leave. Unfortunately for Chelsea, this doesn’t happen.
Fermin Lopez has decided to stay in Barcelona – not joining Chelsea
Mundo Deportivo has also determined that Lopez did not want to leave Barcelona, and has given him some indication that he is planning to move. He was said to have been seduced by interest from Chelsea and cherished the offers they presented to him, but in the end he chose to continue with Catalonia.
Chelsea returned to Square 1 in the search to sign the new attack midfielder. Seeing Simmons chooses to join Tottenham is disappointing, and there is a similar feeling to Lopez’s decision to stay as a Barcelona player for at least the next few months.
As for the PSR, it will be interesting to see if there is any slow moves Chelsea made with plenty of room to pilot. But over time, it will become more and more difficult for a deal to be agreed with the sales club due to the looming deadline.