Chelsea End Transfer Saga as Fermin Lopez Drama Finally Reaches Its Conclusion
The intense transfer rumors linking Barcelona's Fermín López with a potential move have apparently reached their conclusion. The 22-year-old midfielder will not be making a switch to Chelsea before the transfer window closes, as neither party showed sufficient interest in completing the transaction.
The adaptable Spanish international had become a genuine transfer target for the big-spending London club in recent weeks. After their unsuccessful pursuit of Xavi Simons, who is now heading to Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea broadened their search for creative midfield options.
The newly crowned Club World Cup winners submitted an official offer for Fermín valued at approximately €40 million (£34.6 million; $46.7 million) during the weekend.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Fermín reportedly "experienced uncertainty" regarding his future career path as Chelsea's pursuit intensified. The Barcelona youth product isn't assured of regular playing time under Hansi Flick's title-winning squad and has seen his position further threatened by Marcus Rashford's summer transfer.
Nevertheless, despite these concerns, Fermín never requested a departure from Barcelona and expressed his intention to remain just before the transfer deadline, effectively ending this transfer "drama." A separate report from The Athletic indicated that Chelsea have decided not to pursue the deal further.
Barcelona allegedly didn't even acknowledge the club's initial €40 million proposal, having clearly established that they price Fermín at €90 million.
Chelsea are now anticipated to turn their attention to Brighton & Hove Albion's creative midfielder Facundo Buonanotte as a more affordable—though perhaps less prestigious—alternative.
While the Argentine playmaker may not possess Fermín's extensive trophy collection, he brings 71 Premier League appearances to the table. The former Rosario Central academy talent joined Brighton in January 2023 for a reasonable fee of €6 million, making 50 appearances for the coastal club over the following 18 months before spending the previous season on loan with relegated Leicester City.
Buonanotte is expected to join initially on a temporary basis as Chelsea look to add sufficient creative depth to reduce the pressure on Cole Palmer.