Chelsea include Jorrel Hato as part of swap deal to sign 22-year-old Barcelona star: Reports

Chelsea are reportedly contemplating including defender Jorrel Hato as part of a swap deal to snap up Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez. The 22-year-old has been with the Barca first team since the 2023-24 season.

Lopez has made 106 appearances across competitions for Hansi Flick's side, contributing 26 goals and 15 assists. That includes seven strikes and four assists in 18 outings across competitions this season.

Despite being contracted to the Camp Nou till 2029, Lopez has attracted attention from the Blues, who were also in the fray in his services in the summer. As per Football 365, Maresca's side have rekindled their interest in the young Spaniard, but he won't come cheap.

As per reports, the Premier League giants would have to part with £80 million to land Lopez. To sweeten the deal, co-owner Todd Boehly is ready to include promising left-back Hato, who has been on Barca's shortlist recently as sporting director Deco looks to reinforce the position.

The 19-year-old Hato arrived at Stamford Bridge this summer from Ajax and has played nine times across competitions for Maresca's side, registering an assist. Valued at €35 million (£30.5 million) by Transfermarkt, the left-back is contracted with the Blues till 2032.

What's next for Chelsea and Barcelona?

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick

Both Barcelona and Chelsea have had decent starts to the season, especially Barca, who are atop La Liga after 18 games, with a four-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid.

Hansi Flick's side ended the year with a 2-0 league win at Villarreal, with Raphinha (penalty) and Lamine Yamal scoring either side of the break to give the visitors all three points. That came following a victory by the same margin at Guadalajara in their Copa del Rey opener earlier this month.

The Blaugrana return to action in the new year with a La Liga trip to Espanyol on Saturday (January 3) before hosting Athletic Club in the Supercopa de Espana semi-final five days later.

Meanwhile. Chelsea are coming off a 2-2 home draw with Bournemouth in midweek to close out the year. All four goals came before the break, with the Blues recovering from a goal down to lead after 23 minutes.

The Blues next face a daunting trip to Manchester City in the league on Sunday (Januray 4) as they look to snap a three-game winless run, losing one (2-1 at home to Aston Villa last weekend).

Edited by Bhargav