Manchester United Join Chelsea in Barcelona Transfer Swoop For Fermin Lopez

Manchester United are open to the opportunity to sign Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez this week.

The Red Devils have been alerted to the availability of the attacking playmaker and they are considering making an official approach for the Spaniard.

According to reports in Spain, Barca boss Hansi Flick did not want to lose his player in this window and had “vetoed” it as a matter of desire to keep him at Camp Nou.

However an exit cannot be ruled out and United are interested in taking him to Old Trafford if Barcelona need to free up space to register new signings themselves.

Lopez, 22, only played one half of his side’s first match of the season against RCD Mallorca and a potential lack of playing time could also open him up to an exit.

Manchester United join transfer picture for Fermin Lopez

He has, in his years with the Catalan giants, made 89 appearances in all competitions with 19 goals and 11 assists in that time.

Ruben Amorim’s side, meanwhile, have started their domestic campaign dreadfully with just one point from a possible six. They lost to Arsenal on the opening day at the Theatre of Dreams and then could only muster a point away at Fulham.

They need creative and attacking outlets who can freshen up their squad and Lopez is seen as a decent fit.

The new signings at Old Trafford are yet to really get going in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko who may take some time to integrate and get to understand what Amorim wants.

Lopez is an option but United face competition from another Premier League outfit in the form of Chelsea.

Chelsea also want Alejandro Garnacho and Xavi Simons

That is according to more reports in Spain.

The reports claim that a £43m offer from the Blues has been submitted to Barca and is being “mulled over” by La Liga giants.

It would certainly be an interesting move for Lopez should Chelsea be the club to land his signature.

Their alleged interest comes as they are also keen on both Alejandro Garnacho and Xavi Simons. There is some irony that a deal for the former – from United – could end their interest in Lopez and allow Man Utd to get a deal over the line.

Simons is now wanted by Tottenham Hotspur, meanwhile, who are reportedly attempting to gazump Chelsea and bring the Dutchman to North London.

Enzo Maresca’s club have been in discussions with Xavi’s representatives for a number of months as they chase the RB Leipzig attacker but Spurs have now entered the fray.