Fermín López is one of the big names in the transfer market for FC Barcelona. The midfielder, who has established himself as a key piece in Hansi Flick's plans, has attracted interest from across Europe. Among all the offers, Chelsea has made the strongest move in the race.
Enrico Maresca, the new manager of the Blues, has already taken personal steps to convince the footballer. According to sources close to the situation, he has had at least two direct conversations with Fermín in recent days. In those talks, he reportedly promised him an immediate starring role and a contract worthy of a superstar.
Chelsea's message is clear: they want the Andalusian to lead the new rebuild at Stamford Bridge. They see him as a complete midfielder, capable of providing balance and attacking threat, and they believe his style fits perfectly in the Premier League. For this reason, they haven't hesitated to launch a financial offensive that far exceeds what he earns at Barça.
Barça's position in the face of the English onslaught
In the offices at Camp Nou, they know exactly what's happening with the academy product. Joan Laporta and Deco consider Fermín non-transferable unless an out-of-market offer is activated. His release clause is set at €70 million, and the club insists that they won't accept even one euro less.
Flick, meanwhile, is very clear about it: Fermín is indispensable for the season that has just begun. The German manager considers him the engine of the team due to his physical display and ability to get into the box. Sacrificing him now would be a very hard blow for the sporting plans.
Even so, at Barça they are aware of the magnitude of Chelsea's proposal. The London club could come close to the clause and triple the player's current salary. The temptation is real and, although Fermín feels happy in Barcelona, the external pressure is growing more intense.
Interest that is not new
Chelsea has been following Fermín for months, aware that his breakthrough at Barça hasn't gone unnoticed. In the Premier League, his name was already being mentioned in the offices of several teams, including Manchester United and Liverpool. However, it has been Maresca who has decided to take the definitive step to secure the blaugrana gem.
The Italian manager believes that Fermín is the profile that was missing to complete his midfield. His versatility allows him to play as an attacking midfielder, creative central midfielder, or even a false winger. That versatility, combined with his youth and competitive character, makes him a strategic bet for the medium and long term.
Barça, however, keeps its position firm. The board understands that the squad needs stability and can't lose top talent. The memory of painful sales in the past forces them to think twice about any move that would weaken the team.
This is the madness Chelsea is preparing
As of today, Fermín earns around €6 million gross per year at Barça. Chelsea has already told him that he could earn close to €15 million gross per season, with performance bonuses that would push that figure even higher.
The transfer offer wouldn't fall short either. The Blues would be willing to put between €70 million and €80 million on the table. These figures would force Barça to reflect, although the club's intention is still to keep the player.
For now, Fermín remains silent and is focused on the start of the season under Flick's orders. The club interprets this caution as a sign that he's listening to all parties. The truth is that, with Chelsea pushing, the pressure will only increase in the coming days.