Better than Buonanotte: Chelsea hold talks to sign £86m gem after Garnacho
There’s no denying Chelsea have been one of the biggest spenders in the transfer market over the last few years – subsequently playing a huge role in their Club World Cup success this summer.
However, the next step for Enzo Maresca is claiming Premier League glory – an achievement that hasn’t been done at Stamford Bridge since the 2016/17 campaign.
Over the last few days, a £40m transfer has been agreed with Manchester United for the signature of Alejandro Garnacho after tracking the Argentine all summer long.
The 21-year-old will add key depth to the left-wing department, potentially battling fellow new addition Jamie Gittens for a starting role in the Blues’ frontline.
His arrival will take the club’s summer spending to around the £300m mark, but it could yet reach new levels with a move for another talent before Monday’s deadline.
Chelsea’s hunt for new signings after Garnacho
Alongside Garnacho, Chelsea have previously been interested in a move for his United teammate Kobbie Mainoo, who’s rapidly dropped down Ruben Amorim’s pecking order.
The midfielder stated his desire to leave on loan earlier this week, but as it stands, the Red Devils are reluctant to allowing the 20-year-old to depart – even on a temporary basis.
However, another midfielder has emerged on their shortlist in the form of Barcelona star Fermin Lopez – that’s according to GIVEMESPORT journalist Ben Jacobs.
He’s claimed that talks have been held between Maresca’s side and the LaLiga giants over a move for the 22-year-old talent before Monday’s transfer deadline.
It’s also been confirmed that the player has spoken with the manager himself, but any deal would be an expensive one – with the Spaniard currently valued at €100m (£86m).
Why Chelsea’s £86m target is a bigger talent than Buonanotte
In an attempt to further the squad, Chelsea have turned their attention to Brighton & Hove Albion star Facundo Buonanotte – subsequently making a surprise move for his signature.
It was reported in recent days that a deal has been agreed for the Argentine, which will see him join the Blues on a season-long loan for the 2025/26 campaign.
Such a move doesn’t include a buy option at the end of the season, but they do have first choice on his future should they decide to want to make such a deal permanent.
Given his tally of 31 appearances in the Premier League throughout 2024/25, the 20-year-old has the experience needed to have an impact in the club’s quest for title glory.
However, he may be further down Maresca’s plans in 2025/26, especially if they were to land a deal for Fermin before the window slams shut on Monday night.
When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the recent campaign, the Barça star managed to dominate in key areas – potentially being an excellent addition despite his hefty price tag.
Fermin, who’s been labelled “incredible” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, achieved a higher tally of goals and assists – evidently offering a more potent threat in front of goal.
Games played
28
31
Goals & assists
11
7
Progressive passes
5.7
3.2
Pass accuracy
82%
76%
Key passes made
2.1
1.4
Passes into the final third
4.7
2.4
Take-on success
46%
33%
Carries into the opposition box
1.6
1.5
Crosses completed
3.4
2.5
His underlying stats are just as impressive, subsequently completing more progressive passes per 90, with more of his efforts being into the final third – highlighting the creative dominance he possesses over Buonanotte.
Lopez’s talents in possession are further reflected in his higher take-on success rate, whilst also producing more carries into the opposition box per 90.
It’s clear he can glide past the opposition, as seen by his aforementioned figures, but the Spaniard also has the end product – something which would massively aid Maresca’s hunt for top-flight glory this season.
£86m would be another mammoth addition given the previous money spent this summer, but it’s an investment that could prove worthwhile if the 22-year-old continues on his current trajectory.
Such a deal would be bad news for Buonanotte, subsequently dropping him further down the pecking order immediately after his own arrival – but it’s safe to say a deal for Lopez would be a massive statement from the hierarchy.
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