The market has exploded in FC Barcelona's offices after a double offensive from two European giants. Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta's Arsenal was trying to close a multi-million deal, Paris Saint-Germain has burst in with a higher offer. Joan Laporta has had to make a difficult decision regarding one of the season's great revelations.
The club's financial tension continues to condition any incoming or outgoing move during this very active summer. The sporting management is aware that there are players with market value who can bring in significant income. In this case, one of the brightest pieces from last season has attracted attention abroad.
In this scenario, two clubs have shown concrete and determined interest, with figures that could change Barça's financial balance. The first was Arsenal, willing to pay €50 million for a player who has impressed with his character and attacking ability. Everything changed with PSG's entry onto the scene.
Luis Enrique gives the direct order to PSG
Luis Enrique, former Barça coach and current leader of the Parisian bench, has personally intervened in the operation. He believes this player fits perfectly with the play style he wants to implement in Paris. His ability to arrive from the second line, his pace, and his versatility make him a very attractive gem.
PSG has made an offer that far exceeds the English one: €60 million guaranteed plus €10 million in add-ons. A total offer of €70 million ($76.6 million) that has even surprised Deco, who hadn't planned to sell the footballer. The figure matches what the club needs to unlock registrations and strengthen other positions.
The player's camp is conveying calm, but also a certain expectation about what might happen. He hasn't asked to leave, but he's not closing the door on making a leap if it's to a top club. If it's with a coach who trusts him so much, the situation changes completely.
Laporta didn't have him in the exit plans
The operation wasn't planned, since the footballer in question was part of Flick's initial plans. He had convinced the German coach during the past campaign and was set to play a prominent role in this new project. However, financial needs prevail, and the club is forced to study any significant proposal.
Hansi Flick himself has been consulted about the possibility of losing this key piece for his system. Although he would prefer to keep him in the squad, he understands that the club needs to balance its accounts. In an internal conversation, he has requested that, if he does leave, a replacement arrives who keeps the competitive level.
The Camp Nou offices have been very active in recent hours. PSG's offer has caused an internal debate that has forced moves. Although nothing has been officially closed yet, all parties indicate that the outcome is very close.
The player has already given the green light
The footballer himself has spoken with his closest circle to assess the option of leaving this summer. He is clear that he wants minutes and that he won't accept a secondary role, not even at Barça. That's why PSG's offer seems interesting to him: good salary, total trust from the coach, and guaranteed presence in the Champions League.
Moreover, the medical and physical reports handled by the Parisian club are excellent. There are no doubts about his immediate performance. Although some members of the Barça locker room have tried to convince him to stay, his decision is starting to be made.
The French club has offered a long contract, with conditions far superior to the current ones. With the sale about to be finalized, Barça is already working on how to reinvest part of the income. Flick wants at least one more signing before the market closes.
The player who is about to pack his bags for Paris is Fermín López, the great revelation of the season. The young Andalusian midfielder has caught the attention of all of Europe with his energy, attacking runs, and competitive character. Now, everything indicates that he will join Luis Enrique at PSG for a figure close to €70 million ($76.6 million).