Report: Chelsea and United in tug-of-war for Barcelona’s €60m-rated midfielder | OneFootball

Chelsea Eye Fermin Lopez as Summer Business Continues

Chelsea are weighing up a move worth around €60 million for Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez, with sources indicating the club’s recruitment drive is far from over. The 22-year-old has emerged as a priority target for the west London side, who are continuing their strategy of investing in elite young talent.

Fermin enjoyed a breakthrough season with Barcelona, contributing eight goals and eight assists across all competitions. That level of performance has not gone unnoticed, with Manchester United also believed to be monitoring his situation closely. Although other suitors, including from the Saudi Pro League, have made informal approaches, Lopez has shown a clear preference to remain in European football.

While the player is not actively pushing for an exit from Barcelona, the financial picture at the Catalan club remains delicate. The club’s leadership is understood to be divided on whether to sanction a sale, but a substantial offer could alter the landscape.

Transfer Strategy Aligns with Chelsea’s Youth-Centric Approach

Chelsea’s interest in Fermin Lopez is consistent with the club’s recruitment blueprint under their current ownership. The club have already secured several young prospects this summer, including Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap, Estevao Willian, Joao Pedro, and Jorrel Hato. The addition of Lopez would align with their vision of building a squad capable of long-term success, blending raw talent with Premier League potential.

Fermin, a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, has demonstrated the technical skill, tactical intelligence and goal contribution that suit the Premier League’s high tempo. However, competition at Barcelona has limited his opportunities for consistent starts. A move to England could offer him a more prominent role.

Barcelona Face Key Decision as Interest Grows

Although Barcelona are not actively seeking to move Lopez on, internal conversations have left club officials split on the matter. There is an acceptance that, given the club’s financial obligations and the depth in midfield, a lucrative offer may have to be taken seriously.

Sources suggest Chelsea will make their move once a deal for Xavi Simons is concluded. The Stamford Bridge hierarchy remain confident they can present a compelling package both to Barcelona and the player. Meanwhile, Manchester United have yet to make a formal bid, though their admiration for the midfielder is well documented.

Whether Lopez ends up in west London or Manchester could depend not only on fee, but also on guarantees of playing time and his role within either club’s tactical plans. No final decision is imminent, but this is a situation that may accelerate in the coming weeks.

Long-Term Potential at Stake

Lopez’s future is likely to be determined not just by finances, but also by footballing ambition. Chelsea appear ready to offer both. With Barcelona weighing their options and United potentially ready to enter the fray, the battle for one of Spain’s brightest young midfielders could become one of the defining transfer stories of the summer.