Chelsea have held more talks in the last 24 hours with Barcelona over Spain international Fermin Lopez.
The Blues made initial contact earlier this week over a move for the attacking midfielder, who was a key part of Hansi Flick’s side last season.
But having been named on the bench for both of Barcelona’s first two league games of the season, the 22-year-old may find minutes more hard to come by this term.
Barcelona do indeed boast a wealth of talent in midfield including Dani Olmo, Pedi, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong and Marc Casado.
A move to Stamford Bridge, where he is likely to be afforded more starts, may therefore be favourable for Lopez in a World Cup year.
The Blues are expected to have a busy last few days of the transfer window with both exits and arrivals at Stamford Bridge likely.
Chelsea have held more talks in the last 24 hours with Barcelona over Fermin Lopez
Nicolas Jackson is expected to leave the club amid ongoing talks with Bayern Munich
Enzo Maresca is keen to bolster his squad ahead of the transfer deadline next week
Club officials remain in talks to offload striker Nicolas Jackson to Bayern Munich after the player agreed personal terms with the Bundesliga champions earlier this week.
The Senegal international is also the subject of interest from Aston Villa and it had been rumoured Liverpool were in the race to sign him, but the Reds are no longer in for the 24-year-old.
Christopher Nkunku is another player headed for the exit door, with the striker given permission by Chelsea to travel to AC Milan to complete a medical tomorrow. The two clubs have agreed in principle on a transfer fee of around £30m for him.
Meanwhile the Blues finally reached an agreement with Manchester United earlier on Thursday for the transfer of Alejandro Garancho.
The two clubs agreed on a £40m package for the Argentine, who is expected to travel to London for a medical on Friday.
Chelsea and United had been locked in negotiations over the deal after the 21-year-old was told by Ruben Amorim to leave at the end of last season.
Enzo Maresca’s interest in RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simons is believed to still be concrete, though Chelsea now face late competition from Spurs for his signature.
