Chelsea told one of their previous targets is now worth 'a minimum of €150m'

Updated: 8 Sept 2026 15:08 BST | 4 min read

Matthew Judge | Editor

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Chelsea have been told former target Fermin Lopez is now worth “a minimum” of €150million (£128.8m) after becoming a key player for Barcelona.

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That is the opinion of Spanish journalist David Sanchez after attacking midfielder Fermin continued his stunning form in the 5-0 La Liga win at Valencia.

Spain international Fermin scored one and assisted two more at the Mestalla on Sunday, taking his tally for the season up to four goals and two assists.

Ferminator is on fire 🫡🔥#LaLigaHighlights pic.twitter.com/RXGh7Fa6Ez
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 8, 2026

He has picked up from where he left off last season, registering 13 goals and 17 assists in what was a breakout season for the Barcelona academy graduate.

Chelsea came close to signing Fermin for just €40m (£34.3m) last summer, though the 23-year-old had his heart set on staying at Spotify Camp Nou.

And now the Blues have been told they and every other club would have to break the bank in order to extract Fermin from Barcelona.

In quotes carried by Spanish outlet SPORT, reporter Sanchez said: “There isn’t a single team in Spain playing better than Hansi Flick’s team right now.

“But we talk a lot about Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Rodri and Pedri. [But] keep an eye on Fermin Lopez. He’s a player worth at least 150 million euros (£128.8m).

“If Atletico Madrid fans were outraged by Barca’s €100 million (£85.9m) offer for Julian Alvarez, imagine how the Barca fans must have felt last season when they found out Chelsea was offering 40 million euros (£34.3m) for Fermin.”

Barcelona made Alvarez their top attacking target in the summer transfer window but Atletico refused to sell the Argentina international to their La Liga counterparts.

Chelsea prioritising signing new central midfielder

Chelsea meanwhile are widely believed to have ended their interest in signing Fermin after a deal could not be agreed last summer.

The Stamford Bridge club are understood to be prioritising signing a new central midfielder after failing to land one in the summer transfer window.

Chelsea were on the verge of capturing Lamine Camara from Monaco, only for the Ligue 1 club to abort the proposed transfer on deadline day.

Xabi Alonso’s side were looking to sign a replacement for Enzo Fernandez ahead of his move to Manchester City for a joint-British record fee of €145m (£125m).

Chelsea finished Sunday’s 2-1 loss at Arsenal with defenders Reece James and Malo Gusto in midfield - such is their need to strengthen in that area of the pitch.

BBC Sport reporter Sami Mokbel understands Chelsea remain interested in signing Bournemouth star Alex Scott - another one of their summer targets.