Fermin Lopez
Fermin Lopez of Barcelona FC (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United have reportedly identified Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez as a potential target this summer.
On Saturday, Spanish outlet Sport reported that United are prepared to offer Lopez a significantly improved contract in a bid to persuade the 22-year-old to leave Camp Nou for Old Trafford. United are reportedly ready to submit a €70 million (£61 million) bid in an effort to sign the midfielder.
So far, United have strengthened their squad with the signings of Matheus Cunha from Wolves and Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. Their next priority is to sign a striker, with Benjamin Sesko identified as a target by Ruben Amorim, but bringing in a new midfielder could also be on the agenda.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has also shared information about United’s reported interest in Lopez.
"At the moment I am told that there is nothing concrete in it," Romano said on his YouTube channel. "Also because, the first point is Barca don't want to sell Fermin Lopez. Second point: any chance for Fermin Lopez to go this month is only in case the player goes to Barca, goes to sporting director Deco and coach Hansi Flick and says 'I want to go, I want to leave'.
"In that case Barca can say 'OK, let's find a solution'. But Barcelona want to keep the player, Barcelona trusts the player and Barcelona believe their squad is perfect like this and don't want to do any changes. And at the moment I am not aware of Fermin Lopez telling Barcelona that he wants to go.
"Fermin didn't do that, Fermin is fully focused on Barca so it's important to clarify that situation. Also financially, even if all of this happens the financial package has to be a really special package. So at the moment, nothing into it and nothing really concrete into the Fermin story."
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo has gone a step further, outlining Hansi Flick’s stance on the player.
Despite not being a first-team regular, currently behind Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha in the pecking order - Flick reportedly does not want Barcelona to consider selling Fermin.
That’s because he believes the midfielder could become vital to the club's future, especially when squad rotation is needed.
Speaking about his future in June, Lopez told RAC1 that he remains committed to Barcelona, dismissing all transfer rumours and making it clear he has no interest in leaving the club.
He said: "I don't plan on leaving. I'm very happy at Barca. It was my dream and I want to stay there."
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