Barca Hopeful Of Keeping Fermin Lopez As Chelsea Linger After Nkunku Sale

Last Updated:August 30, 2025, 19:43 IST

Hansi Flick hopes Fermin Lopez stays at Barcelona amid Chelsea rumours, while Christopher Nkunku leaves Chelsea for AC Milan to revive his career.

Barcelona's Fermin Lopez is subject to strong interest from Chelsea. (AFP Photo)

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick expressed his belief that midfielder Fermin Lopez will remain at the club despite rumours of a potential move to Chelsea, but admitted he couldn’t be certain. Reports from Spain indicate the 22-year-old is contemplating leaving the club where he developed before debuting in the 2023/24 season.

Nevertheless, Flick emphasised Lopez’s importance to the team as Barcelona aims to defend their La Liga title and secure their first Champions League victory since 2015.

“I spoke with him, I am convinced that he will stay, but in the end I don’t know what happens we have to wait — I am really happy when the market is closed," Flick stated at a news conference.

“I shared my opinion with him, but it’s a private matter. Players sometimes have different thoughts and are influenced by people around them, who might know more than we do.

“In the end, it’s a big business; I have to focus on my team, and I am really happy Fermin plays for Barca.

“He’s a crucial player for us, as he demonstrated last season. His style is unique compared to other players; he can significantly contribute to the team."

Last season, Lopez scored eight goals in 46 appearances, helping Barcelona achieve a domestic treble.

Barcelona faced a setback before Sunday’s La Liga match against Rayo Vallecano as Gavi withdrew from the squad due to knee discomfort.

Flick mentioned that the Spaniard, who will also miss Spain’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers, might return for Barcelona’s match against Valencia in mid-September.

“This is our plan, that he’s back for Valencia, but we have to see. From yesterday to today, it’s much better."

Nkunku joins Milan

Christopher Nkunku signed for AC Milan from Chelsea on Saturday, as announced by the Serie A giants. The French attacker aims to revive his career ahead of next summer’s World Cup.

“AC Milan is delighted to announce the permanent signing of Christopher Nkunku from Chelsea FC. The French forward has signed a contract with the Club until 30 June 2030," said Milan in a statement.

Italian media report that Milan agreed on a fee of 37 million euros ($43.3 million), which could rise to 42 million euros for the forward, who struggled to establish himself at Chelsea after joining in 2023.

Nkunku scored 18 goals in 62 matches for Chelsea, who signed the 27-year-old following his impressive performance at German Bundesliga team RB Leipzig.

Injuries plagued his first season in England, leading him to play second fiddle to Nicolas Jackson, with coach Enzo Maresca mostly selecting him for cup competitions.

Nkunku’s move to Milan comes with the World Cup approaching and uncertainty about his place in the France squad for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

He was not chosen by long-time coach Didier Deschamps for the Nations League quarter-final against Croatia or for the final four of the competition.

His sole goal in 14 appearances for Les Bleus was against Israel in the Nations League last October.

Milan, under the guidance of Massimiliano Allegri, will not participate in European football this season following a disappointing eighth-place finish last term. They have secured three points from their first two fixtures this campaign, having defeated Lecce 2-0 on Friday.

(With AFP Inputs)

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First Published:

August 30, 2025, 19:43 IST

News sports Barca Hopeful Of Keeping Fermin Lopez As Chelsea Linger After Nkunku Sale

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