Barcelona rejected ‘very important’ Chelsea bid for Fermin Lopez

Former Barcelona board member Joan Soler has revealed that the club rejected a “very important” offer from Chelsea for midfielder Fermin Lopez last summer.

The Premier League side identified the 22-year-old as a primary target to bolster their attacking options at Stamford Bridge.

Despite a concrete bid being tabled, the move failed to materialise after the La Liga leaders refused to sanction the sale.

‘We didn’t want to sell’

Soler confirmed that both the club and the player were united in their decision to turn down the approach from west London.

“There was a very important offer for Fermín from Chelsea this summer,” said Soler.

“But the player didn’t want to leave, and we didn’t want to sell.”

The former board member emphasised that the Catalan giants are determined to protect their academy graduates.

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

Soler also noted the club had received a €250m offer for teenage sensation Lamine Yamal via agents, which was similarly dismissed.

Long-term commitment

Lopez has since committed his future to the club by signing a contract extension that runs until 2031.

Head coach Hansi Flick was reportedly keen to avoid a repeat of the uncertainty surrounding the Spain international’s future.

The decision to stay has paid dividends on the pitch, with the midfielder reaching double figures for goals and assists this campaign.

He netted his 11th goal of the season in Sunday’s 3-0 victory over Levante, a result that moved his side to the top of the table.

Alternative targets

With their pursuit of the Barcelona star rebuffed, Chelsea were forced to look elsewhere to strengthen their squad.

The Blues subsequently moved to sign Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United in a deal worth reported £40m.