Barcelona chief drops Fermin Lopez transfer hint after Chelsea offer

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has sent a hint over the future of Chelsea transfer target Fermin Lopez with just hours of the summer transfer window remaining.

It’s been reported that the Blues have submitted an official offer to Barcelona for the attacking midfielder worth €40 million (£34.6m). However, Barca had no plans to sell the player, unless he decides himself that he wants to leave the club.

The 22-year-old was in action for the Spanish giants last night (Sunday) as he was a second-half substitute in the 1-1 draw with Rayo Vallacano. After the game, Flick was asked about Lopez and gave an intriguing answer.

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“Today we have to talk about the team, not the players,” he said, via Marca. “The most important thing for me is that when the transfer window closes, everyone is 100 percent committed.

“It's important not to have egos; that kills the chances of success.”

It seems that is a change of tone from the Barcelona boss from just the day before. Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Saturday, he said: "At the moment he is here. I spoke with him. I'm convinced that he will stay, but at the end I don't know what happens.

“We have to wait. I am really happy when the market is closed.

"I told him my opinion, but it's between him and me. Sometimes players have other thoughts. Around the players are also a lot of people, who know maybe more than we know.

"It's a big business. I have to focus on my team and I am really happy Fermín plays for Barça. He's a really important player for us. He showed that last season. His style is different to other players. He can help us a lot."

Chelsea are closing in on a deal for attacking midfielder Facundo Buonanotte, who is joining on loan from Brighton. If that deal has any impact on a move for Lopez in the final hours is still to be seen.