Inter Milan plot bid for €60m-rated Barcelona midfielder

Inter Milan is reportedly ready to bid for Barcelona midfield star Fermin Lopez in the summer as the Catalans look to offload players to balance their books.

Reports have revealed that the Nerazzurri are plotting to secure the signing of €60m-rated Lopez as they seek to find a long-term replacement for Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

According to a report from Calciomercato (via Mundo Deportivo), Inter are monitoring Barcelona midfielder Lopez as a long-term replacement for the veteran Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

The reigning Serie A champions are eager to recruit a fresh face in the squad, and as such, the 22-year-old has been identified as a priority target for a summer move.

While Inter are yet to make a formal offer, Barcelona are said to be open to negotiations and have placed a €60 million price tag on Lopez.

Fermin Lopez’s breakthrough season arrived in the 2024/25 season, scoring eight goals and providing nine assists in 45 appearances for Barcelona(Image credit: Getty Images)

Inter are preparing to rebuild their midfield with young legs, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan set to turn 36 and expected to leave when his contract expires in 2026.

The Spanish international caught the attention of Inter scouts during Barcelona’s Champions League semi-final encounter, where the Nerazzurri eliminated Barca 7–6 on aggregate.

The Spanish midfielder is seen as a high-profile talent who could add both depth and quality to Inter’s midfield.

However, Barcelona, who are already restricted by Financial Fair Play regulations and strict wage cap limitations, are prioritising contract renewals over big-name signings this summer.

While Lopez has struggled to maintain a regular start under Hansi Flick, his strong performances off the bench have made him one of the club’s top candidates to be sold to generate much-needed revenue.

Fermin Lopez’s breakthrough season arrived in the 2024/25 season, scoring eight goals and providing nine assists in 45 appearances for Barcelona.

The youngster averaged a goal contribution every 114 minutes across all competitions. The 22-year-old has also impressed on the international stage, being part of the Spain squads that won both the UEFA Euro and Olympic gold medal last year.

It is yet to be seen if Inter will present an official bid to Barcelona for the bright star, as they turn their focus on their upcoming Champions League final against PSG on May 31, 2025.

Barcelona, on the other hand, will have to balance the books by selling players in the summer, while they also think of revamping the squad in vital areas for Flick come next season.