Chelsea transfer news: Blues 'evaluating' move for Barcelona midfielder Hansi Flick wants to keep

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Barcelona attacking midfielder Fermin Lopez in the closing stages of the summer transfer window.

The Blues have made a whole host of additions this summer, including Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Estevao, Dario Essugo and Jorrel Hato. 

While they have already been active in the market, Chelsea are keen to bring in further reinforcements before the window shuts on September 1.

They are believed to be working on deals to add RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons and Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho to their attacking ranks.

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Chelsea considering Fermin Lopez move

It remains to be seen whether they sign either of those players, but they are now considering a late swoop for a member of Hansi Flick's Barcelona squad.

According to The Athletic, Chelsea are evaluating the viability of a surprise move to sign Lopez from the Catalan giants. 

The report claims that Chelsea have not made contact with Barcelona, but they have spoken to the player's representatives over a potential move. 

Fermin is under contract with Barcelona until the summer of 2029 after signing an extension in October last year.

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Hansi Flick outlines Fermin Lopez transfer stance

In a separate update, ESPN reports that Flick is keen to keep Lopez at Barcelona beyond the end of the transfer window. 

However, Barcelona are believed to be willing to listen to viable offers for the attacking midfielder as they look to bring themselves within La Liga's Financial Fair Play regulations.

Meanwhile, Chelsea will likely need to sanction departures before they can seriously consider stepping up their efforts to sign Lopez, as per their punishment from UEFA for breaching financial rules.

From the player's perspective, there will be an initial reluctance to leave a club he has been at since 2016, but he will recognise that he is not a guaranteed starter under Flick.

With that in mind, he could consider an exit if Chelsea can guarantee him regular minutes, especially as he will want to earn a spot in Luis de la Fuente's Spain squad for next year's World Cup.