Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez to make public statement on future after Chelsea bid is rejected | OneFootball

Barcelona star Fermin Lopez will make a public statement on his future on Friday. The 22-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea this week, while Newcastle United have also shown interest in the Spain international.

Earlier this week it transpired that Chelsea had contacted Lopez over a potential move, and that he was considering a departure. The London side were willing to offer him a bigger role and more and double his salary. Barcelona have reportedly set a €90m asking price on his head, one which Newcastle are willing to meet.

Discussions with Chelsea over move

Despite reports from Catalonia saying that Lopez remains keen to stay at Barcelona, on Friday he requested permission from the club to negotiate with Chelsea. He is thought to be considering their offer, but it is not yet clear whether the Blues are willing to stump up the money for him.

Image via Juan Manuel Serrano Arce

Fermin Lopez to make announcement on Friday

According to Sport, Fermin Lopez intends to make a statement on his future on Friday afternoon/evening, in which he will declare if he is to remain at the club, or has decided to leave. This comes after a week of intense speculation surrounding him.

Bid from Chelsea rejected

Around the same time, Radio Catalunya reported that Barcelona had rejected an offer for Lopez. Their information is that a bid of less than €50m from Chelsea has been turned down by the Catalan giants. They also note that Chelsea thus far do not have an agreement with Lopez on personal terms this far.

Tricky summer at Barcelona

While Lopez ended last season as one of the most valued players at Barcelona, the fact that he is theoretically behind big-money signing Dani Olmo has worked against him. There are those at the club who are ready to sanction a sale in order to dig the club out of their salary limit hold they find themselves in due to financial mismanagement. The touting of his services has hurt him, and it appears that a dressing room spat has also distanced him from some of his former friends within it.