Barcelona have rejected an offer that would have seen Fermin Lopez move to Chelsea, with Christopher Nkunku joining Hansi Flick's side.
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Chelsea offer Barca swap deal for FerminWanted to send Nkunku the other wayBarca reject Chelsea's advances outrightFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Despite not being one of Barcelona's big-name starters, Lopez has been one of the most important parts of Flick's domestic treble-winning side. The Spanish midfielder had been expected to leave the Catalan side last summer on the back of his Olympics campaign, but was convinced to stay by the German coach.
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Despite his strong showing, it is expected that Fermin will not be an outright starter next season, and Chelsea have offered Barcelona a possible way to offload the Spain international. As per Mundo Deportivo, the Blues offered the Catalan side a possible swap deal, which would see Fermin join Enzo Maresca's squad, while flop winger Nkunku would move to Barcelona.
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The report has also claimed that Barcelona immediately turned down Chelsea's offer. The Catalan side will reportedly only consider selling the 22-year-old if he himself requests to leave the club. However, the Spain international is not thought to be interested in leaving the side this summer, as he looks to fight for his spot against Dani Olmo.
WHAT NEXT FOR FERMIN AND NKUNKU?
Barcelona had been interested in Nkunku last summer; however, the French international's lack of form at Stamford Bridge has meant that the Catalan side are now no longer interested in the winger. As for Fermin, the Spaniard is unlikely to demand to leave unless Flick prefers other players over him.
