Arsenal linked with Barcelona midfielder who 'has no plans' to leave
Arsenal's reported interest in Fermin Lopez looks set to go unrewarded, with the Barcelona midfielder showing little appetite for a move away from Catalonia despite admiration from the Premier League.
According to Just Arsenal, Arsenal have been monitoring Lopez's progress at Barcelona following a series of impressive performances this season. The Gunners are said to view the 23 year old as a potential addition to their midfield, having tracked his development as he has pushed his way into Hansi Flick's first team plans.
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Lopez is a graduate of Barcelona's famous La Masia academy and has fought off competition from more experienced midfielders to earn a regular role. His performances have reportedly made him difficult to leave out of the side, and that form has not gone unnoticed elsewhere in Europe.
Manchester United and others also keen
Arsenal are not alone in their admiration. Manchester United have also been credited with interest in Lopez, while a number of leading clubs outside the Premier League are said to be keeping tabs on the player as well.
With the January transfer window approaching, there is some suggestion that the growing interest could create uncertainty around his future. However, Arsenal are considered unlikely to make a serious move in January, with any renewed interest more likely to surface in the summer, should the situation change.
Lopez shows no desire to leave Barcelona
Despite the transfer chatter, the player himself appears settled. According to the Spanish outlet Fichajes, Lopez has no plans to leave Barcelona, with the report stating he is enjoying regular playing time and feels trusted by the manager, giving him little reason to consider changing clubs.
That trust has been hard earned given the depth of competition in Barcelona's midfield, and staying at the club allows Lopez to keep developing in familiar surroundings while competing for major honours.
Should that stance hold, Arsenal and Manchester United may ultimately have to look elsewhere for midfield reinforcements. Lopez's performances continue to make him an attractive target on paper, but Barcelona's capacity to offer him regular first team football could prove decisive in persuading him to stay put for now.
Arsenal's recruitment team will likely continue to track the situation regardless, with the summer window offering a potential opportunity to reassess if circumstances at Barcelona shift.
