Barcelona respond to £43m Chelsea bid for Fermin Lopez

Chelsea have made a move to sign Fermin Lopez from Barcelona (EPA)

Barcelona are ‘carefully evaluating’ a €50 million (£43.2m) bid from Chelsea for Fermin Lopez, according to reports in Spain.

Chelsea remain in the market for another attacking signing to bolster Enzo Maresca’s squad and have also held extensive talks with Manchester United over a deal for Alejandro Garnacho .

However, The Athletic report that Chelsea have now made an approach to Fermin’s camp over a deal for the 22-year-old before Monday’s transfer deadline.

Meanwhile, Catalan newspaper Sport report that Chelsea have submitted a€50m (£43.2m) offer for Fermin and the attacking midfielder is ‘aware’ of the interest from the Premier League club.

Crucially, the report adds that Barcelona have not immediately rejected Chelsea’s bid as the money would significantly ease their short-term financial concerns.

Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, is now leading the club’s negotiations with Chelsea.

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However, Barca’s head coach, Hansi Flick, has already made his feelings clear about Fermin’s potential departure to Chelsea.

‘I just can repeat what I said, I don’t want to lose any players now, because it will be a tough season,’ Flick said last week.

‘This quality from Fermin, he is doing really well, from last season, also when we start here, in the new season.

‘I am happy with him and the players, and I want to keep everyone here, because we are happy with the options we have.’

Speaking earlier this month, Fermin also emphasised his desire to remain a Barcelona player.

‘I want to stay here, and I will,’ the Spain international said.

‘Playing here is my dream. The new signings have been very good and will help us a lot this season.’