Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has expressed confidence that midfielder Fermín Lopez will remain at the club, despite speculation linking him with a move to Chelsea.

Reports in Spain suggest the 22-year-old is weighing up his future, just a year after breaking into the first team following his development at La Masia.

But Flick underlined Lopez’s importance to his squad as Barcelona aim to defend their La Liga crown and chase a first Champions League title since 2015.

“I spoke with him; I am convinced that he will stay, but in the end, I don’t know what will happen. We have to wait,” Flick told reporters. “I told him my opinion, but it’s between him and me. Sometimes players have other thoughts, and around the players, there are always people with influence. In the end, it’s a big business.

“I am really happy Fermín plays for Barça. He’s a really important player for us. He showed that last season, his style is different from other players, and he can help us a lot.”

Lopez enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in 2023/24, scoring eight goals in 46 appearances as Barcelona secured a domestic treble.

Meanwhile, Barça were handed a setback ahead of Sunday’s clash with Rayo Vallecano after Gavi was ruled out with knee discomfort. Flick said the midfielder, who has also withdrawn from Spain’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers, could return against Valencia in mid-September.

“This is our plan, that he’s back for Valencia, but we have to see. From yesterday to today, it’s much better,” Flick added.