TRANSFER BATTLE: Manchester United Preparing £61m Bid for Fermin Lopez Amid Chelsea and Arsenal Competition
Manchester United are reportedly readying a £61 million bid to sign Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez, as the club looks to reinforce its creative options in midfield. Lopez, who impressed with his breakout performances last season, is seen as a long-term solution for United’s attacking midfield issues. Erik ten Hag has identified the 21-year-old as a priority target, with the Red Devils aiming to move quickly before Barcelona can persuade him to sign a new deal.
However, Manchester United face serious competition from Premier League rivals. Both Chelsea and Arsenal have been monitoring Fermin Lopez for months, viewing him as a versatile and technically gifted midfielder who could slot into their respective attacking systems. Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, are keen to rejuvenate their midfield with young talents, while Mikel Arteta sees Lopez as a perfect fit to complement Arsenal’s existing creative core.
Barcelona, meanwhile, are reluctant to lose one of their brightest academy products, especially given his low wages compared to other stars. They are reportedly trying to raise his release clause and renew his contract to fend off English interest. With three top Premier League clubs circling and United seemingly first to formalize an offer, the coming weeks could be decisive in determining Lopez’s future.