Fermin Lopez addresses Barcelona future amid Manchester United transfer talk

Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez has said that it is his "clear wish" to stay at Camp Nou amid the recent speculation surrounding his future.

Manchester United are believed to have placed an offer of around £25m on the table for Fermin, with the 20-time English champions thought to have identified him as a clear transfer target.

However, the 21-year-old, who has a contract at Camp Nou until June 2027, has revealed that he wants to stay at Barcelona "for many years".

"I'd be happy to sign new deal at Barca, this club is my dream since I was a kid. I hope to stay at Barcelona for many years, it's my clear wish," Fermin told Mundo Deportivo.

The Spaniard spent the 2022-23 campaign on loan at Linares, representing the club on 40 occasions in all competitions, scoring 12 times in the process.

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Fermin expresses a desire to remain at Barcelona

Fermin was then brought into the first team at Barcelona last summer, and he represented the club on 42 occasions in all competitions, scoring 11 goals and registering one assist in the process.

The midfielder, who is currently with the Spain squad at Euro 2024, found the back of the net on eight occasions in 31 La Liga appearances.

Meanwhile, he scored twice and provided one assist in eight Champions League appearances, with Fermin proving to be an important player for Xavi's side.

Barcelona are under pressure to make some first-team sales this summer, though, and Fermin's future has recently been the subject of speculation, with a number of clubs thought to be keen on his services.

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Will Fermin leave Barcelona this summer?

The Catalan giants are believed to be keen to keep hold of Fermin, with the midfielder proving to be an important player during the 2023-24 campaign.

However, the simple fact is that if Man United come up with enough money, he is likely to move on this summer.

The Red Devils will sign at least one central midfielder in the current market, and Fermin would be a cheaper alternative to Joao Neves, who is also being tipped to leave Benfica.

Goalscoring central midfielders are difficult to find in the current market, and having only just turned 21, the signs are very positive for Fermin when it comes to his prospects in the game.

There are certainly players who Barcelona should be looking to sell before Fermin, but he is undoubtedly one of the most attractive signings in their current squad.