Barcelona Fire Back at Chelsea's Fermin Lopez Pursuit, Slap Hefty Price Tag on Rising Star
Barcelona have no intention of parting ways with Chelsea's desired target Fermín López unless an "unmatchable proposal" arrives for the attacking midfielder during the closing stages of the transfer window.
Chelsea have persistently transformed and refreshed their roster throughout this summer, following their UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup triumphs from the previous campaign. Alejandro Garnacho appears poised to be their upcoming addition, though securing a playmaker has remained a priority.
Christopher Nkunku is heading to AC Milan, opening up squad space that many anticipated Xavi Simons would occupy. Nevertheless, the Dutch player is currently finalizing a move to Tottenham Hotspur instead, causing the Blues to redirect their attention toward Fermín in recent times.
Barcelona vice-president Rafael Yuste downplayed the likelihood that the Catalans might sell during Thursday's Champions League draw ceremony, which coincidentally paired his club with Chelsea.
"Fermín maintains a contract with our organization and we are extremely pleased with him, making him a Barcelona player," Yuste informed broadcaster Movistar during the occasion.
The Barcelona executive acknowledged meeting with corresponding representatives from Chelsea and additional clubs, but maintains that transfer matters weren't addressed.
"All these matters fall under the sporting directors' responsibilities, involving Deco and Bojan," he subsequently informed journalists. "The whole organization is extremely satisfied with Fermín. I met with Chelsea representatives and those from PSG, but nobody raised any transfer inquiries."
A Mundo Deportivo article offers additional insight into Barcelona's position regarding Fermín. The 22-year-old is deemed "non-transferable," unless an offer reaches €90 million (£78 million, $105 million), a figure significantly exceeding the €50 million, plus bonuses, package Chelsea reportedly had been assembling. This also represents an increase from the previously mentioned €70 million valuation.
Hansi Flick and Deco oppose selling Fermín, viewing it as a "tactical error" despite the club's financial constraints. The player himself remains eager to stay and establish himself as an even more crucial squad member, despite Chelsea's willingness to offer substantially more than his current wages and the "uneasiness" he has experienced navigating the transfer speculation.
For the moment, it is reported that Chelsea aren't abandoning their pursuit.