Chelsea have raised their offer for Barcelona midfielder Fermín Lopez and are now going all out to secure his signature.
That’s [according to Sport](https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/barca/chelsea-eleva-oferta-barca-fermin-120996897), who report that the situation around the Barcelona midfielder is in ‘decisive hours’ after Chelsea increased their initial offer.
According to the newspaper, Chelsea’s offer for the midfielder now stands at €65m. Their first bid was worth €58m.
That’s a very serious figure as far as Barcelona are concerned and, according to Sport’s sources, Chelsea are even willing to pay that figure in a fixed amount. There would be no variables included in the deal. In simpler terms, it would be guaranteed money for Barcelona’s strained accounts.
The Blues appear convinced about the transfer and consider Fermín a strategic addition to Enzo Maresca’s squad. The Italian has personally expressed his confidence in the signing as well.
They’ve now upped their bid and have made it clear to the player and his entourage that they’ll improve their offer to him as well if necessary.
Barcelona will be forced to assess the new offer after deeming the first as insufficient. They need the money, and it would give them room for manoeuvre in the transfer market.
Fermín, for his part, has told those close to him that he wants to remain at the Camp Nou and succeed at the club where he has come through as a youngster. He does accept, though, that Chelsea’s offer shouldn’t be rejected outright given the sporting and financial opportunities is offers.
He would substantially increase what he is currently earning in Barcelona. In fact, Sporting say it would be more than double, and by some distance too, going from €6m to €15m gross.
He has a choice to make but Chelsea are serious and have upped their bid, putting Barcelona and Fermín in a delicate situation.