Chelsea locked in transfer battle as €100m offer confirmed

Chelsea and Manchester United are among the clubs keeping close tabs on the development of Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez, as per reports in Spain.

The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with both Premier League teams for over a year and it’s understood that he remains on their radar amid his eye-catching recent form at Camp Nou.

Fermin has scored eight goals and provided seven assists in just 15 games across all competitions for Barcelona so far this season, and he has cemented himself as an integral player under Hansi Flick, despite the depth of midfielders at the club.

It has previously been reported that Barcelona may be willing to listen to offers for Fermin amid their bid to raise funds through player sales, however it’s understood that this stance has changed, while the Spain international himself has no interest in leaving Camp Nou.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that a sale won’t be permitted by Flick, and Fermin swatted aside any transfer rumours last month.

“I don’t pay attention to that kind of news,” Fermin told reporters when asked about interest from Man Utd after Barcelona’s 6-1 win over Alaves on 31 October.

“I want to stay here at Barca as long as possible… and I hope to end my football career at this club and to retire in Barcelona shirt.”

Chelsea had earmarked Fermin as a possible midfield signing amid their pursuit of first-team reinforcements, while he was regarded as a potential replacement for Bruno Fernandes by the Man Utd hierarchy.

However, a deal now looks highly unlikely, despite the fact that Barcelona have received €100 million offers from four Premier League clubs, according to Diario SPORT.

It’s reported that Chelsea and Man Utd have shown the highest level of interest in Fermin, although two other unnamed English teams are also eager to finalise a deal for the 23-year-old if Barcelona change their transfer stance.

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