Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez has shed light on his decision to stay put at the La Liga champions despite Chelsea showing interest during the summer transfer window. Chelsea made a last-minute attempt to sign the Spanish international, who has found it challenging to secure regular playing time at Barca. In fact, he has only played 73 minutes in their three matches this season.
Lopez was part of the starting line-up for Barca's opening weekend 3-0 victory over Real Mallorca but was substituted at half-time. He remained on the bench during the 3-2 win against Levante and only came on for the final 28 minutes in the disappointing 1-1 draw with Raya Vallecano on Sunday.
In the final week of the transfer window, Chelsea engaged in talks with Barcelona about a potential move for Lopez as they sought to bolster their midfield. Discussions revolved around submitting a £40million bid.
Reports in Spain claimed that Enzo Maresca's side made an informal £34.8m offer to Barcelona's sporting director Deco, who declined to respond, deeming the bid 'ridiculous.'
Deco is believed to have informed Lopez's camp that he must personally express his desire to leave the club. However, it's understood that Lopez was adamant about his wish to remain at Barcelona.
The 22-year-old has since reiterated his stance, breaking his silence on his future in an interview ahead of Spain's World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria on Thursday.
"In the end, my priority has always been to stay at Barca," Lopez said to Mundo Deportivo. "I joined when I was 12 years old, and it was always my dream to make it to the first team. Of course, it's flattering when other clubs show interest, but my intention was always to continue here and succeed at Barca."
Lopez added: "There has been a lot of speculation, but I'll repeat: my priority was always to stay at Barca. I never doubted that. I've always felt that I wanted to be here, to try to succeed, and to help the club."
Chelsea ultimately concluded their summer recruitment drive by securing attacking midfielder Facundo Buonanotte from Brighton on a season-long loan deal valued at £2m. Following his switch to west London, Buonanotte declared: "I'm very happy to join Chelsea. It's a great opportunity for me and I'm just looking to add as much to the squad as possible, help the team and help the staff."
Buonanotte represented Chelsea's tenth summer acquisition, following the arrivals of Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Alejandro Garnacho, Jorrel Hato, Liam Delap, Estevao, Dario Essugo, Mamadou Sarr and Kendry Paez at Stamford Bridge.