Barcelona reject Chelsea player swap offer for 22 year-old talented midfielder

It is no secret that Chelsea are open to offers for Christopher Nkunku this summer, as the French forward has struggled to secure a consistent role since his £52 million move from RB Leipzig in 2023.

The 27-year-old has attracted interest from multiple clubs, with Arsenal and Bayern Munich making inquiries in the January transfer window, while Manchester United have also explored a move this summer.

Chelsea have reduced their asking price for Nkunku from £65 million to £43 million.

According to Mundo Deportivo, they also included him as part of a deal to sign Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez, but Barcelona declined, choosing instead to sign Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford on loan.

Fermin has also been linked with a move to Manchester United, with reports in Spain indicating that Ruben Amorim’s side are willing to pay €70 million (£61 million) for the 22-year-old. However, the Spain international is determined to stay at Barcelona, and head coach Hansi Flick is keen to keep him at the club.

Meanwhile, Enzo Maresca's Blues have reportedly put several players up for sale ahead of the start of the new season.

The likes of Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, and Axel Disasi are expected to depart.