The transfer saga involving Fermín López has become one of the hottest stories of the summer window. Chelsea are determined to bring in the FC Barcelona midfielder, but one key obstacle stands in their way: balancing their books under UEFA’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.

Why Is Chelsea Restricted by Financial Fair Play?

In July, the Blues were fined €31 million for breaching FFP rules. UEFA also warned that any repeat violations in the next four years would trigger an additional €60 million fine and could even result in a ban on registering players for European competitions, including the Champions League, if the club ends the window with a negative balance.

That means Chelsea must close the summer transfer period with a neutral or positive balance. Having already spent more than €280 million on signings such as Joao Pedro (€64m), Jamie Gittens (€56m), Jorrel Hato (€44m), and Liam Delap (€35m), the club has only partially offset this with the sales of Renato Veiga to Villarreal and Carney Chukwuemeka to Borussia Dortmund.

Which Players Could Leave to Make Room for Fermín?

Chelsea are clear: sales must happen before new signings arrive. Players currently training separately and out of Enzo Maresca’s plans include Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, Tyrique George, Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, and Axel Disasi.

Offloading these players is essential to reduce the wage bill and raise funds for potential signings such as Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United), Xavi Simons (RB Leipzig), or Fermín López.

Why Is Fermín the Most Complicated Target?

Among Chelsea’s transfer targets, Fermín López is the toughest deal to strike. Despite their ongoing financial struggles and registration issues in LaLiga, Barcelona do not want to lose one of their brightest young prospects.

The club has set his asking price at around €70 million, the figure they would demand to sanction his departure. For Fermín, the decision is far from simple: in London, he would likely be a key starter, while at the Camp Nou, he remains an important piece but not yet an undisputed starter.

The Final Week Will Be Decisive

The transfer window closes on Sunday, September 1 at 23:59 CET, and Chelsea’s hands are tied: no sales, no signings. Should they manage to offload several players, the path could open for Fermín López in the final days of the market.

With UEFA pressure, Barcelona’s financial needs, and Maresca’s transfer plans all in play, this operation has become a puzzle that could define the summer window’s dramatic finish.