Overview

• Lopez confirmed in an interview with Mundo Deportivo that he chose to remain at Barcelona despite late interest from Chelsea.
• Multiple outlets, including reports relayed by Fabrizio Romano, said Chelsea lodged a bid of about £35m (€40m) that Barcelona did not accept.
• Head coach Hansi Flick publicly said he expected Lopez to stay and emphasized the midfielder’s importance to his plans.
• Team-mates such as Lamine Yamal said Lopez was happy at Barcelona, and Lopez noted senior players including Ter Stegen, Araujo, Pedri and Raphinha urged him to remain.
• Local reports said Barcelona would only consider a sale if the player asked to leave and suggested any talks would require a far higher valuation, with figures up to about €90m mentioned; other Premier League interest was reported but no move materialized.