Chelsea offers to sign a €60 million player in a swap agreement. Barcelona star during the summer transfer window
Chelsea’s ambitious attempt to revamp their squad ahead of the 2025/26 season has seen them propose a high-profile swap deal involving Christopher Nkunku and Barcelona’s rising star Fermin Lopez. The Blues reportedly offered Nkunku plus £60 million to secure the services of the 22-year-old Spanish midfielder, a Euro 2024 winner. However, Barcelona swiftly rejected the proposal, emphasizing Lopez’s importance to their future plans under manager Hansi Flick.
Fermin Lopez has had a breakthrough season, contributing 18 goals across all competitions. Despite facing stiff competition for midfield spots from the likes of Dani Olmo, Raphinha, and Gavi, Lopez has impressed with his versatility and attacking prowess. Barcelona views him as a cornerstone for their long-term strategy and is reluctant to part ways unless the player himself seeks more consistent playing time to enhance his prospects for Spain’s 2026 World Cup squad.
On the other hand, Christopher Nkunku’s tenure at Chelsea has been underwhelming. Since his £52 million move from RB Leipzig in 2023, the French forward has struggled to find form, netting only six goals in 38 Premier League appearances and securing just nine starts under manager Enzo Maresca. Chelsea’s willingness to include Nkunku in the deal indicates their readiness to make significant changes to their attacking lineup.
This proposed swap deal reflects Chelsea’s broader strategy of investing in young, dynamic talent to rejuvenate their squad. The club has already secured the signing of Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap for £30 million and decided against making Jadon Sancho’s loan move permanent, opting to pay a £5 million penalty instead. Additionally, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, after a loan spell at Bournemouth, is reportedly attracting interest from Arsenal, who are seeking a backup for David Raya.
While the rejection of the swap deal is a setback for Chelsea, it underscores the club’s aggressive approach in the transfer market as they aim to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level. For Barcelona, retaining Lopez aligns with their commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and maintaining a strong core of young players. As the summer transfer window progresses, it remains to be seen how both clubs will navigate their respective squad-building strategies.