Details revealed of Fermin Lopez conversations with Deco and Hansi Flick following Chelsea interest | OneFootball

Barcelona star Fermin Lopez was cited as the potential major sale that the Catalan side could have used to get back in their salary limit. The Blaugrana star had interest from  Chelsea before the end of the transfer window, but a deal did not transpire.

There were conflicting reports on what moves Chelsea made for Lopez, but there was some consensus on their interest, and that Lopez considered a move. As it was, the 22-year-old decided to remain at Barcelona, declaring in an interview that he is was his dream to succeed at Barcelona, and that that was his priority.

Fermin Lopez held talks with Hansi Flick

Before making his decision though, Catalunya Radio report that Fermin held discussions with Flick, explaining that he was considering an offer. Flick told Fermin that he was relying on him for the coming season, and agreed with Fermin’s feeling that the attacking midfielder was not used often enough last season. That said, he did not promise him more minutes during the current campaign by default.

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Deco was open to move for Fermin Lopez

Following his conversation with Flick, Lopez reaffirmed his intent to remain at Barcelona. Further down the line though, Fermin did have discussion with Deco. The Barcelona Director of Football was understanding of Lopez’s dilemma, and told Fermin that were the right offer to arrive that satisfied the club’s demands, he would not stand in his way.

Open competition for spot

Lopez certainly has a spot to win in the Barcelona line-up, with the number 10 spot behind Robert Lewandowski or Ferran Torres up for grabs. Raphinha, Lopez and Dani Olmo have all started there in the opening three games, and none impressed particularly in their outings. Lopez and Olmo are in theory the most likely options there, and towards the end of last season the former was, as Flick seems to agree, performing better.