Barcelona confirm major Chelsea bid for Fermín López

Chelsea bid for Fermín López has been formally acknowledged by a former Barcelona director, who confirmed the Blues submitted a “very important offer” last summer but were firmly rebuffed.

Joan Soler, previously part of Joan Laporta’s board, told Cadena Ser that Chelsea made a concrete attempt to sign the 22-year-old attacking midfielder during the 2025 summer window.

Spanish reports at the time suggested figures ranging between €50 million and as high as €90 million. Soler has now clarified that Barcelona never intended to sell.

“There was a very important offer for Fermín from Chelsea this summer, but the player didn’t want to leave, and we didn’t want to sell,” Soler said.

Interest from Stamford Bridge intensified late in August 2025, with claims in Catalonia suggesting the Premier League side explored a substantial financial package.

Despite that, Fermín publicly downplayed speculation at the time, stating in September that he “didn’t think about” leaving Barcelona. Earlier this month, he reinforced his commitment by signing a contract extension until 2031, reportedly including a €500 million release clause.

From Barcelona’s perspective, the decision has been vindicated.

Fermín has become a regular under Hansi Flick this season, contributing 11 goals and 12 assists in 32 appearances across competitions.

Soler used the example to underline Barcelona’s broader policy direction.

“Barca shouldn’t be a selling club, and we have to retain our homegrown players,” he explained.

He also referenced a previous €250 million approach for Lamine Yamal, which similarly did not progress.

Having followed Barcelona’s squad management over recent seasons, retaining academy graduates has become both a sporting and symbolic priority. Selling Fermín, particularly amid financial scrutiny in recent years, would have carried significant optics.

However, it remains too early to rule out future interest. Chelsea’s willingness to make a substantial offer indicates continued admiration from England.

Fermín remains central to Barcelona’s plans as they compete domestically and in Europe. Chelsea, meanwhile, may reassess attacking midfield targets ahead of the next transfer window. Much will depend on future squad evolution at both clubs, but for now, Barcelona’s stance is clear.

Did Chelsea miss out on a transformative signing, or was Barcelona’s refusal always inevitable?