Chelsea made several attempts to sign players from Barcelona during the summer transfer window, and it looks like they haven’t given up on adding some of those names this year.
The Blues had a busy window, making significant investments before the season began, but their late move for Fermin Lopez didn’t materialise. Instead, they ended up bringing in Facundo Buonanotte on loan in what was seen as a low-key deal.
It wasn’t just Lopez that Chelsea were looking at. The Chelsea Chronicle has learned that they were also interested in Marc Casado and Eric Garcia.
Chelsea’s failed summer attempt to bring Fermin Lopez to Stamford Bridge
Chelsea’s pursuit of Fermin Lopez wasn’t limited to the final days of the transfer window. Reports surfaced as early as June linking them to the midfielder, but it never seemed likely that a move would materialise for various reasons.
Spanish journalist Fernando Polo reported in January 2024 that Chelsea had even gone so far as to offer £43m for him last summer. He opted to stay at Barcelona because Xavi promised him more playing time – something he wouldn’t have been guaranteed at Stamford Bridge.
Marc Casado might be interested if Chelsea come calling again
If Chelsea decide to revisit their interest this summer, there could be more momentum this time around.
According to GiveMeSport, the 20-year-old is considering leaving Barcelona due to his limited minutes this season.
Eric Garcia’s future appears set away from Barcelona
The defender is currently on loan at Girona and has said he’d like to stay there beyond this season after helping them secure Champions League qualification for 2024/25. Barca don’t seem keen on keeping him either – yet another sign his future lies elsewhere rather than back at Camp Nou next term.
Transfer insider Graeme Bailey has said that the Blues would also be interested in bringing in the former Manchester City man in January.
He also mentioned that Chelsea have been given the chance to sign Ronald Araujo, but there’s little belief within the club that he actually wants to leave Barcelona.
Bailey explained: “We know Chelsea tried to sign Fermin, but now sources confirm they would happily have taken Casado and Garcia too.
“Interest in Garcia remains, and Barcelona are now working hard on tying him down as his contract expires at the end of the season.
“I am told Garcia is someone Chelsea would happily take in January, but the chances are he will have signed a new deal.
“They have been offered Araujo, and in theory they do have an interest but they are yet to be convinced he wants to leave Barcelona so I do not believe they are pushing too hard on that. Should Araujo make it clear he would move, then things could very well change – but as it stands, he really isn’t keen on leaving.”
How Chelsea’s owners are shifting their approach to centre-back signings
Enzo Maresca’s open requests aside, it was made clear before the season started that Chelsea wouldn’t be bringing in a new centre-back following Levi Colwill’s knee injury.
But with injuries already affecting players like Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, and Wesley Fofana this season, there are reports suggesting that the club is now considering adding a defender in January.
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Chelsea finished their last match against Liverpool without a recognised centre-back available, which meant Reece James and Jorrel Hato had to fill in at the back.
Maresca is clearly building something promising at Stamford Bridge, but continued support will be crucial if they’re to keep pace with sides like Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City.
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