The Blues have already been active this summer, bringing in Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Jorrel Hato, Liam Delap, Estevao, Dario Essugo, Mamadou Sarr, and Kendry Paez, but they are not done yet, with reports suggesting they are targeting at least two more signings.

Spanish outlet Sport reported that Chelsea have tabled a formal offer of 50 million euros for Lopez, a versatile midfielder who fits their strategy of investing in young, dynamic talent. "Chelsea have made their move and submitted a firm offer to sign the Barca international for 50 million euros," the report stated.

"Deco is handling the details of the Blues' proposal, and Fermin and his entourage are also aware of this option to join Stamford Bridge this season."

Barcelona, grappling with financial constraints, are seriously considering the bid, as Lopez's potential departure could help register new players like Szczesny, Gerard Martin, and Roony Bardgjhi.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano also highlighted Chelsea's pursuit of Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho, noting on X that the deal is "very advanced with all parties expecting it to happen." Garnacho, who has reportedly turned down interest from the Saudi Pro League, is keen on a move to Stamford Bridge.

"Garnacho has rejected a new approach from Saudi Pro League in the last 48 hours, he only wants Chelsea as destination," Romano added.

Meanwhile, speculation continues to swirl around RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons, with Chelsea in talks to sign the Dutch attacking midfielder, according to The Guardian. The Blues' interest in Simons hinges on potential outgoings, with Christopher Nkunku's possible return to Leipzig opening the door for a move.

David Ornstein of The Athletic provided further insight into Chelsea's interest in Lopez, stating, "Chelsea are evaluating the possibility of a move for Fermin Lopez, with no club-to-club contact yet, but they are in touch with the player's camp as they explore attacking options in case of exits." This cautious approach reflects Chelsea's need to balance their squad, especially after UEFA imposed restrictions on new player registrations for the 2025/26 season unless matched by sales.

The Blues' transfer activity has not been without scrutiny. Former Liverpool and Tottenham midfielder Danny Murphy questioned their decision to sell Noni Madueke to Arsenal and replace him with Jamie Gittens.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Murphy said, "They paid the same money for Gittens as they got for Madueke. My gut feeling is that Madueke has probably got a bit more. Both are talented players, but I would have understood it more if they got more for Madueke and bought Gittens for less."

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, however, remains optimistic about his new recruits. "Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Estevao, Jamie Gittens are all fantastic players," he said recently. "You can see that Liam and probably Joao are a little bit more ahead of the rest, but the reason is that they were already here in England. Jamie needs to adapt a little bit, Estevao needs to adapt, Jorrel Hato, as well, needs time to adapt. But overall, we are very happy with all of them."

As the transfer deadline looms, Chelsea's aggressive approach signals their ambition to compete at the highest level, with Lopez, Garnacho, and Simons potentially forming a dynamic new core for the Blues' attack.

Tashreeq Matthews balances club ambition with European aspirations