Chelsea are preparing a late push to sign Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez in the final days of the summer transfer window, according to reports from Mundo Deportivo.
After missing out on Xavi Simons, who has decided to join Tottenham Hotspur, the Premier League side have now turned their attention to Fermin, making him one of their top priorities before the transfer window closes.
Barcelona, however, are not willing to let him leave easily. The club has placed a minimum price tag of €90 million on the 22-year-old and insist that only an “irresistible” financial offer would make them consider a sale.
Flick and Deco want Fermin to stay
Within the club, manager Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco see Fermin as a key part of the squad’s present and future.
They believe the midfielder’s energy, creativity, and decisive performances make him essential for Barça as they continue to compete for major trophies.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 02: Fermín López of FC Barcelona runs with the ball during the La Liga EA match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on March 02, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Chelsea will push to sign Fermin Lopez. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Last season, Fermin played a crucial role in helping the club secure the domestic treble, quickly becoming one of the brightest prospects in Spanish football.
For Flick, losing such a player just as the team is finding balance would be a major setback.
A decision still in the player’s hands
With only three days left in the transfer window, Fermin’s future remains uncertain.
He trained as usual with the rest of the squad on Friday as they prepared for the upcoming clash against Rayo Vallecano, but speculation around his next move continues to grow.
Barcelona’s stance is clear that they want him to stay, but they will not completely close the door.
If Fermin decides he wants a move to Stamford Bridge, it will only happen if Chelsea present an offer that meets the club’s financial demands.
For now, the final decision lies with the player himself – whether to pursue a new challenge in England or continue building his dream at Barça.