Chelsea have sounded out a move for Barcelona midfielder Fermín López but pulling off a deal will prove complicated as the Premier League side need to raise money first to avoid a UEFA punishment, sources told ESPN.
Enzo Maresca's side have been trying to add more creativity to their side all summer, with moves for RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons and Manchester United's Alejandro Garnacho also on the table.
However, as part of a punishment Chelsea received from UEFA in July for breaching financial rules, the Blues risk not being able to register new signings for the Champions League if there are not departures first.