Chelsea has launched a final offensive to sign Fermín López, offering €50 million. The London club considers him a strategic signing to strengthen its midfield during a full rebuild. However, Barça isn't willing to give in so easily and has already set very clear conditions.
At Stamford Bridge, they believe Fermín is a profile that fits perfectly with Enzo Maresca's project. His dynamism, his ability to reach the box, and his youth make him a bet for both the present and the future. From Camp Nou, Hansi Flick has raised the bar for the operation, aware of the Andalusian's importance.
Barça values the player highly, who in just one year has earned the trust of the locker room. His impact was immediate and, although he isn't currently undisputed, he is considered essential in the rotation. Flick won't accept losing him without securing an immediate reinforcement to cover other weaknesses in the squad.
The first requirement: strengthen the defense as soon as possible
The German coach has insisted that the defense is his main concern at the start of the season. Iñigo Martínez's departure and doubts about Ronald Araújo have weakened the team on the left side. For this reason, Flick demands that a left-footed center-back arrives before giving the green light to Fermín's sale.
The goal is to pair Pau Cubarsí with an experienced and reliable player who brings security in playing out from the back. Flick believes that Barça's backbone starts at the back, and without a solid defense, the project will suffer. For the German, Fermín's transfer would only make sense if the money is used to urgently strengthen that position.
The message has been direct: without a defensive signing, there will be no departure for the midfielder. Although Chelsea is pushing to speed up the process, Barça knows this demand is non-negotiable. Defensive stability is the foundation of everything, and the club doesn't want to repeat past mistakes.
The second requirement: a mandatory minimum amount
The other major condition set by the club concerns the final price of the deal. Chelsea's initial €50 million offer has been flatly rejected by Joan Laporta and Deco. The blaugrana board demands a minimum of €70 million to open serious talks.
This figure reflects both Fermín's importance and Barça's financial situation. The club needs income to register Roony Bardghji, Gerard Martín, and Szczesny, but isn't willing to sell a promising academy player cheaply. If the Londoners don't accept the financial terms, the deal will be automatically ruled out.
Chelsea, aware of the player's potential, is considering raising its offer in the coming days. Meanwhile, from London, they also don't want to get into an endless bidding war that would drive up the cost. The financial standoff is already underway, and its outcome will define the final week of the market.
Fermín's dilemma and the immediate future
The player himself finds himself in a complicated situation, torn between the dream of succeeding at Barça and the English temptation. At 20 years old, he knows the Premier League offers media exposure, economic growth, and a new adventure. However, he also understands that at Camp Nou he has Flick's trust and a supportive environment.
The Andalusian has made it clear that he won't force his departure under any circumstances. Everything will depend on what the club and his coach agree on in the coming days. The ball is in Barça's court, which must decide whether to prioritize sporting or financial matters.
With the transfer window closing just around the corner, the outcome is inevitably approaching. If Chelsea meets Barça's two huge demands, Fermín's sale will become a reality. If not, the midfielder will continue wearing the blaugrana jersey for at least one more season.