There are now less than 48 hours to go until the summer transfer window closes, and Barcelona still do not know whether Fermin Lopez wants to leave. The midfielder continues to attract interest from Chelsea, with whom he has been in regular contact with throughout the week.
On Saturday, it was reported by Fabrizio Romano that Chelsea submitted their opening written offer for Fermin, which was valued in the region of €40m, which was swiftly rejected by Barcelona. The reigning La Liga champions value the 22-year-old closer to €90m at this late stage of the transfer window, which would leave little time to use the funds raised to make their own signing.
As per MD, Chelsea have been told by Fermin’s entourage that an offer of €70m could be enough for Barcelona to given the green light, although the Catalans have pointed to the Club World Cup winners’ previous €116m deal for Moises Caicedo as a reference point during negotiations.
Barcelona point to inflated Premier League market
It’s no secret that Premier League clubs are often the biggest spenders, and it has been no different during this summer’s transfer window. Barcelona believe that any player of their attracting interest from one of these sides would be available at a premium, which includes this case with Fermin and Chelsea.
Barcelona would prefer to not sell Fermin at all, and head coach Hansi Flick is confident of retaining the services of the young attacking midfielder. However, they will open the door if he asks to leave, which as of yet he has not done.
It will be very interesting to see how the situation with Fermin plays out. He has been included in the matchday squad for Barcelona’s trip to Rayo Vallecano, but he could drop out if there is any movement throughout Sunday.
