Fermin Lopez has revealed whether or not he wants to leave Barcelona. The Barcelona attacking midfielder has recently emerged as a target for Chelsea as Enzo Maresca looks to bolster his attacking options this summer.
football.london understands that the Blues are interested in Lopez, and they're considering a bid ahead of the transfer window deadline on Monday night. Chelsea are exploring the possibility of a move for the Spain international, but they're yet to open talks with the Spanish outfit.
It's understood, however, that the west Londoners have been in touch with Lopez's entourage. While Chelsea may be keen to secure the 22-year-old's signature, it could be difficult to prise him from the Camp Nou.
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Speaking to Catalan radio station RAC1 in June, Lopez pledged his loyalty to Barcelona. He said: "I don't plan on leaving. I'm very happy at Barca. It was my dream and I want to stay there."
Lopez, whose contract at the Camp Nou doesn't expire until June 2029, was an unused substitute in Barcelona's 3-2 win over Levante at the weekend. Speaking to reporters ahead of the clash, Hansi Flick insisted that he doesn't want to lose any players this late into the window.
"I don’t want to lose any players now," said former Bayern Munich boss. "It will be a tough season and we need players of Fermín’s quality. He did very well last season and at the start of this one. I’m happy with him and the rest, I want to keep them all."
Ahead of the opening weekend of the new La Liga season, Flick provided an update on Lopez and his situation at Barcelona. The Chelsea target started in the 3-0 win over RCD Mallorca, but he was replaced by Dani Olmo at half-time.

"Last season was spectacular for [Fermin]," said Flick. "We have a lot of quality in that position [with] Dani Olmo, too. We have to manage it well, the minutes, the players...
"I’m very happy. I wasn’t so happy [with Fermen] in preseason, but he’s improved in the last two weeks. Against Como, he showed how good he is."
Lopez isn't the only attacking midfielder on Chelsea's radar ahead of Monday's deadline. football.london understands that the Blues have been in talks with RB Leipzig regarding a potential deal for Xavi Simons for over a month now.

However, negotiations have proven complicated, with the west Londoners looking to offload Christopher Nkunku before pushing forward. It's understood that there remains a confidence that Simons will become a Chelsea player before 7pm on September 1.
Enzo Maresca wants to add at least two more players before the window closes, with talks over a move for Alejandro Garnacho also ongoing.
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