Fermin Lopez to Chelsea: Barcelona drop HUGE transfer hint

Fermin Lopez has officially been included in Barcelona’s matchday squad to face Rayo Vallecano on Sunday evening amid significant rumours of a late move to Chelsea.

The Spain international has emerged as a key transfer target for Enzo Maresca’s side after their failure to sign Xavi Simons and they are eager to finalise a deal before the summer transfer window slams shut at 19:00 BST on Monday.

Chelsea have also agreed a deal to sign Brighton & Hove Albion attacker Facundo Buonanotte on loan, but they remain eager to bring Fermin to Stamford Bridge as they look to compete on multiple fronts this season.

The Blues have already strengthened their forward line with the additions of Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Estevao Willian and Alejandro Garnacho so far this summer, however they are still pushing to agree a deal for Fermin.

An initial bid worth €40 million has been lodged by Chelsea, although Barcelona insist that Fermin won’t be allowed to leave unless they receive an offer of €90m.

Several reports in Spain state that an agreement could be reached for a slightly lower figure, but Chelsea will be required to significantly improve their offer if they want to land Fermin before Transfer Deadline Day ends on 1 September.

Barcelona drop Fermin Lopez to Chelsea transfer hint

Despite intense rumours of a last-minute move to Chelsea, Fermin has been included in Barcelona’s squad to play Rayo Vallecano on Sunday evening.

He is one of six midfielders to have been selected by Hansi Flick, alongside Pedri, Marc Casado, Dani Olmo, Frenkie de Jong and 17-year-old Dro Fernandez.

Although this isn’t confirmation that Fermin will remain at the club, it certainly suggests that Barcelona are planning to retain the 22-year-old until next year at the very least.

The Spaniard started Barcelona’s La Liga opener versus RCD Mallorca on 16 August, however he was substituted at half-time and he was then an unused substitute against Levante last weekend.

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