Arsenal and Chelsea were busy in the summer transfer window that recently ended as they made some quality additions to their squads. With only a fortnight having passed since Deadline Day, they have already begun planning for activity next year.
El Nacional has reported that the Gunners and the Blues are both keen on signing Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez, and would be prepared to make bids upwards of £86 million to secure the Spanish international’s services.
Lopez has been brilliant for Barcelona under Hansi Flick and has made an especially fast start to the 2026/27 season with four goals and two assists in all competitions in six matches under his belt.
With Arsenal and Chelsea needing better depth and quality in midfield, particularly in their creative department, their interest in the 23-year-old La Masia graduate comes as no surprise following a memorable few months for the player.
Chelsea could trump Arsenal to sign Fermin Lopez
Fermin Lopez would be an excellent addition in the Premier League, not least for Arsenal and Chelsea. However, it is fair to believe Xabi Alonso would be in a pole position to trump Mikel Arteta to the Barcelona star’s signing.
Chelsea have a massive gap in midfield after Enzo Fernandez’s departure to Manchester City, and unlike Arsenal, who already have Martin Odegaard at number 10, the Blues can offer Barca better transfer fees and the player a regular role in their line-up.
The midfielder would be a solid addition for the Blues. His ability to unlock defences with accurate passes into the final third, late runs into the box and work-rate to press and make interceptions without the ball will hold him in good stead under Alonso.
Barcelona will want to hold onto Fermin Lopez, who is already one of the world’s best in his position, but the prospect of receiving £86 million for a La Masia graduate could compel them into considering his sale to balance their books.
It will be interesting to see what comes of the Spaniard’s future in 12 months’…..
