Chelsea target Fermin Lopez has made transfer feelings clear as Barcelona told of 'dream'

Fermin Lopez has revealed whether or not he wants to leave Barcelona this summer. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has recently been linked with a move to Chelsea as Enzo Maresca seeks to strengthen his attack.

According to football.london, the Blues are interested in Lopez and are contemplating making a bid before the transfer window closes on Monday night. Chelsea are considering a move for the Spanish international, but have yet to initiate talks with the Spanish club.

However, the report claims that the west London club have been in contact with Lopez's representatives. While Chelsea may be keen to secure the Spaniard's services, it could prove challenging to lure him away from Camp Nou.

In June, speaking to Catalan radio station RAC1, Lopez expressed his commitment to Barcelona, stating: "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 Camp Nou runs until June 2029, was an unused substitute in Barcelona's 3-2 victory over Levante at the weekend. Ahead of the match, Hansi Flick told reporters that he does not wish to lose any players this late in the transfer window.

"I don't want to lose any players now," said the former Bayern Munich boss. "It will be a tough season and we need players of Fermin'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 pre-season, 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. According to football.london, 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.