Chelsea making ‘serious’ £65m bid for Barcelona star to back Liam Rosenior
Chelsea have wasted no time signaling their ambitions following the dramatic departure of Enzo Maresca on New Year’s Day.
The west London giants moved decisively to appoint Liam Rosenior on a six-and-a-half-year contract that runs until 2032, handing the 41-year-old former Strasbourg boss one of the longest managerial deals in recent Premier League history.
The appointment represents a significant statement of intent from Chelsea’s ownership.
Rather than opting for an established name with extensive top-flight know-how, Chelsea’s hierarchy have backed a relatively unproven coach with just three years’ managerial experience across Hull City and Strasbourg.
The lengthy contract perhaps demonstrates their commitment to building a long-term project after years of managerial instability that saw five permanent appointments since 2022.
However, while Rosenior has been praised for his ‘exceptional’ coaching and ability to get the very best out of his players, it is still a huge gamble.
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Rosenior faces an enormous challenge revitalizing a squad that sits fifth in the Premier League table, yet 17 points behind leaders Arsenal with just two wins from their last 10 in all competitions.
The Blues have shown flashes of quality, reaching the Carabao Cup semi-finals and maintaining a strong chance of automatic Champions League qualification, but inconsistency has plagued their campaign.
However, according to a report this week, Chelsea are prepared to give their full backing to Rosenior.
Indeed, Chelsea’s sporting directors are apparently preparing a substantial £130 million January transfer spend to provide Rosenior with the tools necessary to compete immediately, rather than waiting until this summer.
Chelsea make 'serious bid' for Barcelona star Fermin Lopez
That is going by information from one Spanish media source, which also claims Chelsea are making a ‘serious bid’ for Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez as part of their plans.
Lopez has emerged as a priority midfield target for Rosenior, with the Spain international offering precisely what he craves: energy, box-to-box dynamism, and a remarkable goal threat from central areas.
Chelsea are believed to be discussing a £65 million offer to test Barca’s resolve, and the Catalan giants now face a difficult decision over his future as a result.
Lopez has established himself as an important squad member under Hansi Flick, contributing goals and assists regularly while demonstrating maturity beyond his years.
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However, Barça’s ongoing financial difficulties mean they must consider substantial offers seriously, particularly for players not considered absolutely indispensable to their long-term plans.
The 21-year-old has played 19 times for Barça this season, bagging 13 goal contributions, which includes a brace of assists during their 2-0 derby win over Espanyol last weekend.
Lopez also made 46 appearances as a mainstay under Flick last term, helping Barça to the La Liga title with eight strikes and 10 assists from midfield in all competitions.
The Camp Nou starlet was actually a target for Chelsea last summer as well, with news outlet Sport reporting that Maresca personally phoned Lopez and the west Londoners were ready to triple his current salary.
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