The Blues aim to test Barcelona’s resolve with a €75m offer as they seek midfield reinforcements following their Club World Cup success.
Despite their historic FIFA Club World Cup triumph last July, Chelsea’s hierarchy is reportedly dissatisfied with the team’s current consistency in the Premier League and Champions League. To address this, the London club is prepared to launch a multi-million-pound raid for Barcelona’s rising star, Fermín López.
A Long-Term Target According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, Fermín has been a priority for Chelsea for several months. The Blues reportedly made their first contact in July 2025, but the move was swiftly blocked by Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, who considers the 22-year-old Spaniard an “untouchable” part of his tactical setup.
However, Chelsea’s board is undeterred. They view Fermín’s versatility and goal-scoring threat from midfield as the missing piece in their squad. To force Barcelona to the negotiating table, Chelsea is reportedly preparing a massive offer of €75 million (£62m / R$ 471m).
Barcelona’s Stance For now, the situation remains complicated. Barcelona’s financial position has improved, but a €75m injection is always tempting for the Catalan board. However, Flick’s sporting project revolves around young La Masia talents, and losing a player of Fermín’s caliber mid-season could derail their La Liga title charge.
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Fermín, who recently shone for Spain in major international tournaments, is currently under contract with a significant release clause, meaning Chelsea will likely have to negotiate directly with club president Joan Laporta.
Strategic Reinforcements Chelsea’s aggressive pursuit of Fermín signals a clear intent to move away from squad-filling signings and focus on “renowned athletes” who can provide immediate impact. Whether the €75 million bid will be enough to break Flick’s resolve remains the biggest talking point of the January window.
Siara Costa is a football editor and writer covering both European men’s and women’s football, with a focus on league competitions, match coverage, and in-depth storytelling.
