Big news has emerged as former Barcelona board member Joan Soler has confirmed that Chelsea made a ‘very important’ bid to sign Fermin Lopez last summer.
In a summer where CHELSEA Wanting to improve that attack, they spent quite a bit of money adding players to the squad that they thought would come along and help boost their chances of winning the Premier League title; in fact £175 million was spent.
A possible big-money deal for Lopez was also mooted around the house, with reports from Spain claiming the Club World Cup holders had tested Barcelona’s resolve with a ‘staggering’ bid for the Spain international.
However, the Spanish champions made it clear they had no intention of losing their La Masia academy credentials and the 22-year-old decided to stay put to fight for a regular starting spot at Camp Nou. He scored eleven goals and twelve assists in 32 games for Barcelona this season.
‘A very substantial offer was made for Fermin CHELSEA in the summer, but the player didn’t want to leave and we didn’t want to sell,” Soler, who recently resigned from his position as a board member at Barcelona, explained to Cadena SER.
‘Barça cannot be a selling club and we must keep our homegrown players. We have also had a €250 million offer to sell Lamine Yamal in recent years. It came through agents and that deal also fell through.’
“Retaining Lamine and the talented youngsters has been a success for Deco,” he added. They all got great offers and preferred to stay. They feel that the club belongs to them and we have managed to create a club where the players feel like they belong.
‘That is very important for achieving success.’
After the transfer window closed last summer, Lopez insisted he had never considered the prospect of leaving Camp Nou: “I never hesitated to stay,” he told Spanish media.
‘I will fight to stay at Barca for many more years.’
ROSENIOR WANTS DELAP STAY…
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior is reportedly determined to keep striker Liam Delap at the club, despite mounting speculation suggesting the forward could be sold during the upcoming summer transfer window. Football insider.
Delap, 22, joined CHELSEA last year and has shown flashes of his potential despite inconsistent minutes and multiple tactical shifts during the season. However, since Rosenior’s arrival, the young striker has been given more responsibility, impressing the head coach with his physicality, pressing intensity and ability to adapt to new systems. It is believed that Rosenior views Delap as an ideal fit for his long-term vision, especially as he looks to build a more dynamic and aggressive attacking unit.
Despite this, the club’s hierarchy are reportedly evaluating several players ahead of the summer window, and Delap’s name has emerged as one that could attract significant interest from across the Premier League and Europe.
Several parties are said to be keeping a close eye on his situation, encouraged by both his age profile and the perception that Chelsea may be willing to negotiate.
However, Rosenior is resistant to the idea of a sale and insists Delap’s development is best served at Stamford Bridge. Internal discussions are expected to continue into the off-season as the Blues attempt to balance roster planning, financial strategy and the manager’s preferred direction.
Opinion: why moving could actually be the best thing for Delap
Although Rosenior sees Delap as a long-term asset, a move could ultimately benefit the young striker. CHELSEA‘s attacking depth means guaranteed minutes will still be difficult to come by regardless of management support.
At this stage of his career, Delap needs consistent starting opportunities; something that smaller or mid-tier Premier League clubs may be more willing to offer.
A departure would also allow him to move away from the pressure-packed environment of a top-six club, develop more naturally and establish himself as a leading striker rather than a rotation option. For Delap, the path to becoming a reliable Premier League striker may become clearer away from West London.
CHELSEA TO SELL CHALOBAH
According to Football Insider, Chelsea are reportedly ready to sanction a move for centre-back Trevoh Chalobah this summer, amid growing interest from fellow Premier League side Aston Villa.
The 26-year-old English defender, a product of Chelsea’s youth academy, has become a regular starter in the Blues backline this season but faces an uncertain future if the club completes its planned defensive overhaul.
CHELSEA It is believed they are willing to let Chalobah leave Stamford Bridge only if they first secure a replacement for the centre-back, highlighting the value the club still places on him. Despite his consistent performances under manager Liam Rosenior, continued interest from Villa – who see Chalobah as a potential upgrade to their current options – could see movement in the transfer market this summer.
Chalobah’s journey at Chelsea has been one of ups and downs. After a loan spell at Crystal Palace, he returned to claim a regular place in the first-team defense earlier in the campaign, demonstrating his versatility, leadership and dedication at the heart of the Blues’ backline. However, reinforcements in defensive positions and changing tactical plans mean that his future at the club is far from secure.
As the summer approaches, Villa are said to be in the chase, and Chelsea’s willingness to negotiate could depend on wider transfer activity. With Champions League ambitions and squad balance in mind, the Blues’ hierarchy are faced with a delicate balancing act: strengthening the squad while retaining experienced homegrown talent.
Opinion: Why Chalobah could both leave and stay at Stamford Bridge
There are compelling reasons why Chalobah might be tempted to move on. Despite being a key part of Chelsea’s defense this season, he has suffered from squad inconsistencies in recent years, including a loan spell and changing roles under different managers.
A move to Villa could offer greater long-term stability and a clear starting role, allowing him to lead the defense rather than having to compete amid a crowded centre-back position. Regular first-team football and a fresh environment could also reinvigorate his England ambitions and provide a clearer leadership path.
Conversely, there are good reasons for him to stay at Stamford Bridge. Chalobah has deep roots CHELSEAafter going through the academy and fighting back into the first team after adversity.
Staying at a club likely to compete in the Champions League will give him exposure at the highest level – something a move to mid-table may not guarantee.
Moreover, the affection of the fans and his leadership role within the squad could make the stay more attractive, especially if Rosenior continues to build around him.
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