In a bold attempt during the summer transfer window, Chelsea proposed a dramatic exchange deal to Barcelona to reshape their squad under manager Enzo Maresca.
The proposed deal focused on creating more dynamic midfield talent for the Blues, and Chelsea’s proposal was outright rejected by the Catalan side.
According to reports, Barcelona president Joan Laporta and head coach Hansi Flick did not want to lose one of their assets and bid the proposal “goodbye”.
This, according to reports, illustrates Barcelona’s commitment to keeping its own players in their academy, while Chelsea now seeks to strengthen its own squad for 2025/26 following its Champions League qualification.
The two players at stake were Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku and Barcelona’s Fermín López, as reported by Transfer News Live.
Mbappé international Nkunku joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig for £52 million in 2023, and has not been able to find consistent minutes under Maresca due to injury and the depth of players available to the managerial team.
However, López – a 22-year-old La Masia academy player – has shown skill, versatility, and intensity with the ball that produces goals, scoring eight goals and assisting on ten more in 46 matches last season.
Maresca’s enthusiasm for López’s energetic game led to the swap play discuss otherwise. But Barcelona’s commitment to maintaining squad stability while also pursuing players like Luis Diaz meant they rejected the deal.
Chelsea’s transfer strategy is now getting attention as Maresca looks for players to fit his philosophy, and with Nkunku’s future still up in the air, Barcelona’s unwillingness to negotiate a deal unless López is looking to move demonstrates their confidence in the young prospect.
The rejected swap deal is indicative of a tough transfer window ahead for Chelsea as they look to overhaul their squad.
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