“Really, really like him” – Fabrizio Romano shares Chelsea transfer update for 2026 | OneFootball

Chelsea’s interest in Fermin Lopez is “concrete” and will remain in the future according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Blues had a busy summer in which they made six signings, of which five were attackers, as the front line underwent a major revamp.

The Blues signed Alejandro Garnacho, Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap and Facundo Buonanotte, whilst Joao Felix, Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson all left.

Chelsea retain strong interest in Barcelona star Fermin Lopez

Chelsea were expected to sign Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig having been linked with the Dutchman for the majority of the summer, but he ended up joining Tottenham after the Blues failed to even make an offer.

Attention was quickly turned to Barcelona star Lopez in the final days of the window, with Chelsea working on trying to convince the player to make the move.

Chelsea tried to sign Lopez at the end of the window. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

Chelsea made an offer of €40m for Lopez, whilst Enzo Maresca reportedly spoke to the Spaniard on more than one occasion.

Lopez has spoken about Chelsea’s interest in him, and Romano has provided an update on Chelsea’s future plans when it comes to the 22-year-old.

“The player was already on Chelsea’s shortlist one year ago, and they tried this summer because, even without having a specific need for a midfielder, they wanted to open a dialogue and show their concrete interest to Fermin Lopez himself,” he wrote in his Give Me Sport column.

“One to watch for the future? Maybe, depending on the player.

“But Chelsea really, really like him. Unfortunately for them, Barcelona do as well.”

Facundo Buonanotte a surprise signing

Chelsea were unable to sign Lopez, but they did make a surprise signing in Brighton attacker Facundo Buonanotte.

The Blues agreed a season loan with for the 20-year-old, and he’s expected to provide cover at both number ten and right wing.

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The Argentina international spent last season on loan at Leicester, where he scored six goals and registered three assists in 35 appearances in all competitions.

However, Buonanotte was the only one of Chelsea’s summer signings to be left out of their squad for the Champions League.