Barcelona star Lamine Yamal has admitted that he has held conversations with Fermin Lopez over Chelsea's interest in his signature.
The 22-year-old has progressed through the club's academy ranks to become a key member of Hansi Flick's squad.
Eight goals and 10 assists were contributed during the German's first season as Barcelona lifted three pieces of silverware.
However, during the closing days of the summer transfer window, Chelsea allegedly made their move for the two-cap Spain international.
Enzo Maresca is said to have held discussions with the player himself, who never gave any indication that he would welcome a transfer to Stamford Bridge at this stage of his career.
Barcelona's Lamine Yamal reacts on May 18, 2025
Yamal comments on Fermin Chelsea links
Speculation regarding Fermin ultimately fizzled out on Monday, there being no suggestion that a deal ever got close to completion.
Speaking to TVE, Yamal has acknowledged that he and his teammates have 'joked' between themselves about Fermin moving to Chelsea.
As relayed by Fabrizio Romano on X, Yamal said: "We were joking with Fermín about moving to England...but he's happy at Barcelona.
"No one wants to leave. We asked him about that bid from England but Fermín said he’s happy here, he had no plans to leave."
Fermin has only accumulated 73 minutes of action this season, making one start, one substitute appearance and being an unused squad member for another game.
Barcelona's Fermin Lopez on August 10, 2025
Will Chelsea rue missing out on Fermin?
With 19 goals and 11 assists from 90 appearances in a Barcelona shirt, Fermin clearly has qualities that Chelsea could benefit from.
Nevertheless, he was one of several options considered by the world champions and it was ultimately decided that a loan move for Brighton & Hove Albion playmaker Facundo Buonanotte could be equally beneficial.
Like Buonanotte will find himself, Fermin would have only been viewed as backup to some of Chelsea's other creative players, so it is probably best that the £35m+ that would have been on the table did not get spent.
ID:580691:1false2false3false: from db desktop :LenBod:collect3828: