TBR Football understands that Fermin Lopez was the subject of enquiries from Manchester City in the summer.
Lopez was wanted by Chelsea, who held talks before a move failed to materialise on deadline day for the Spanish international.
But we can confirm that Chelsea were not the only Premier League side keen, as Pep Guardiola’s team also asked about Lopez.
City have seen the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and James McAtee depart, whilst Savinho was also linked with a move to Tottenham.
City enquired about Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, but we can reveal that Lopez was also a player they considered before the transfer deadline.
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesFermin Lopez didn’t want to leave Barcelona
Fermin Lopez has made it clear, following the deadline and Chelsea’s failed talks, that he was and is not looking to leave the Nou Camp.
Speaking about his future, Lopez told Mundo Deportivo: There has been a lot of speculation, but I’ll repeat: my priority was always to stay at Barca. I never doubted that.
“I’ve always felt that I wanted to be here, to try to succeed, and to help the club. The future is unpredictable, but yes, I see myself here for many years, hopefully for a long time at Barca.”
The youngster’s current contract runs until the summer of 2029, which will make a deal for him to leave very complicated for any club interested.
Lopez has also been selected for Luis de la Fuente’s latest Spanish squad, meaning that he is perfectly content with life at Barca ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
Meanwhile, getting into the team at City and Chelsea would have been tricky given the midfield options at both Premier League clubs.
Pedro believes Fermin Lopez is ‘greatly underestimated’
Former Barcelona star Pedro believes Lopez is ‘greatly underestimated’ at the Catalan club and sees him having a big future at the Camp Nou.
The midfielder managed 46 appearances for Barca last season, netting eight goals and providing 10 assists in all competitions.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo about him, Pedro admitted: “Footballers who are like Fermín, who move continuously, are greatly underestimated. In addition, those who move a lot usually arrive in the box and score goals.”
Getting the 22-year-old out of Barcelona will be very tricky to do as he appears fully committed to the Catalan club.