Chelsea have been told they must pay £78 million to sign Barcelona attacking midfielder Fermin Lopez, following direct talks between the player and Blues manager Enzo Maresca.
The London club had already submitted an opening offer worth around £43 million earlier this week, but their bid was swiftly rejected by the La Liga champions.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Lopez is now seriously weighing up his future at the Camp Nou. The Spanish international has reportedly held multiple phone conversations with Maresca as Chelsea continue to push for a deal before the transfer window closes next Monday.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have secured an agreement with Manchester United to sign winger Alejandro Garnacho. His imminent arrival will bring the club’s summer spending close to the £300 million mark.
Despite that hefty outlay, Chelsea remain active in the market, with Maresca keen to further strengthen his squad ahead of the new season.





