Fermin Lopez provides update on Barcelona future amid summer Chelsea move

Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez has opened up on his decision to remain at the La Liga champions amid summer transfer interest from Chelsea.

The Bluesmade a late move for the Spain international, who has struggled for regular game time at Barca. Indeed, he has played just 73 minutes from their three matches so far this season.

Lopez started Barca's opening weekend 3-0 win at Real Mallorca but was dragged off at half-time. He was an unused substitute during the 3-2 success against Levante before coming on for the final 28 minutes in the disappointing 1-1 draw at Raya Vallecano on Sunday.

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Chelsea held talks with Barcelona over a potential move for Lopez during the final week of the window, as they tried to strengthen their midfield. Discussions were held around submitting a £40million bid.

According to Marca, Enzo Maresca's side lodged an informal £34.8m offer to Barcelona sporting director Deco, however, he refused to respond, believing the bid was 'ridiculous'.

Deco is then thought to have told Lopez's camp that he must come to the club and tell them he wants to leave. But it's understood that Lopez was insistent that he hoped to stay at Barcelona.

He has since reaffirmed that claim, with the 22-year-old breaking silence on his future in an interview before Spain's World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria on Thursday.

"In the end, my priority has always been to stay at Barca," Lopez said. "I joined when I was 12 years old, and it was always my dream to make it to the first team. Of course, it's flattering when other clubs show interest, but my intention was always to continue here and succeed at Barca."

Lopez added: "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."

Chelsea ended up finishing their incoming summer transfer business with the signing of attacking midfielder Facundo Buonanotte from Brighton. The 20-year-old joined the Blues on a season-long loan worth £2m.

Speaking after making the move to west London, Buonanotte: "I'm very happy to join Chelsea. It's a great opportunity for me and I'm just looking to add as much to the squad as possible, help the team and help the staff."

Buonanotte became Chelsea's tenth signing of the summer, after Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Alejandro Garnacho, Jorrel Hato, Liam Delap, Estevao, Dario Essugo, Mamadou Sarr and Kendry Paez arrived through the doors.