Fermín López has become one of the most desired gems at FC Barcelona. At just 22 years old, he has managed to carve out a place in the first team, making his talent and potential clear. This season, he has been key in several matches, which hasn't gone unnoticed in Europe.
Chelsea is one of the clubs that has moved most decisively. The English team, now managed by Enzo Maresca, has shown strong interest in the Andalusian. In fact, according to "El Chiringuito," they even offered up to €70 million for him, but their real proposal has gone further.
Chelsea offers Nkunku for Fermín
From London, they've proposed a direct swap, with the idea of sending Christopher Nkunku to Barça and, in exchange, taking Fermín López. Nkunku, 27 years old, is a versatile forward and a French international. This season, he has scored 14 goals and provided 5 assists in 42 matches.
For Maresca, Conference League-winning coach with the "blues," Fermín is an ideal piece for his new project. He sees him as an attacking midfielder with dynamism, an ability to get forward, and room to grow. But at Barça, they don't see things the same way.
Laporta and Flick say no to the swap
Neither Joan Laporta nor Hansi Flick are willing to accept that deal. The club president's response has been blunt: Fermín is not for sale. The club assures that they'd only consider letting him leave if the player personally requests it to seek more prominence.
That doesn't seem to be the case; Flick counts on him. He has shown it by giving him 46 matches this season, in which he has scored 8 goals and provided 10 assists. Despite competition from Dani Olmo and Gavi, the German coach sees him as a key piece for both the present and the future.
Nkunku, although talented, doesn't fit right now into Barça's immediate plans. The club has other priorities in attack, and the sporting management keeps Colombian Luis Díaz as their main target.
Fermín, key piece of the new Barça
The rejection of the swap isn't just a sporting matter; it's also strategic. At a time when the club is looking to rejuvenate its squad with homegrown talent, Fermín symbolizes that model. His attitude, performance, and room for improvement make him valuable.
Moreover, selling him or trading him for a forward who isn't a priority could send the wrong message to the youth academy and the locker room. Laporta knows this, which is why he has firmly closed the door. At Barça, Fermín remains non-transferable.