Barcelona turn down Chelsea’s Nkunku-Lopez swap deal

Barcelona have rejected a potential swap deal with Chelsea involving Christopher Nkunku and Fermin Lopez, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca admires Lopez and wants him at Stamford Bridge, but Barca are not interested in an exchange deal for their La Masia graduate.

Lopez caught the eye this season, coming on from the bench to provide creativity and energy. The Spanish attacking midfielder also has a keen eye for goal.

Lopez bagged eight goals and 10 assists in 46 appearances for the Catalans as they clinched the domestic treble and reached the UEFA Champions League semi-final. 

His performances have caught the eye of Chelsea, but Barca are not willing to part with their prized asset, especially if the offer on the table is taking Nkunku.

The Frenchman has endured two injury-riddled campaigns in West London and is keen to move away.

Nkunku managed 14 goals and five assists, but the consensus is that it was an underwhelming season. 

Barca are too focused on signing Luis Diaz, and except Lopez asks for a move away, they will not be at the negotiating table with Chelsea.

Chelsea should not be afraid to cough up the funds for Lopez – View 

Firstly, Lopez brings one quality Chelsea desperately need – intensity. He is a vivacious attacker who executes his actions with quickness and works hard off the ball.

Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez are quality in the Chelsea engine room, but they play at their own pace. Lopez injects electricity into matches.

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Additionally, he can cover several positions, and the Blues need that versatility when they eventually sell Nkunku.

He can provide the same cutting edge in attack and does not rest on his laurels defensively.

If Chelsea can get Lopez at a fair price, he would be a steal. However, Barcelona will likely demand a massive fee to part ways with the 22-year-old, who is a stud.