Fermin Lopez confirmed he was ready to snub a number of admirers and commit his long-term future Barcelona.
The 22-year-old has gone from squad member to a key part of Hansi Flick’s best XI this season with a string of sparkling performances that mean Barca are still fighting on three fronts having already won the Spanish Super Cup.
Their next challenge will be in the Champions League, where they will need to beat FC Copenhagen tomorrow night to have a chance of finishing in the top eight. and automatic qualification for the round of 16.
Barca will hope Lopez will be at his best in a season in which only he and Lamine Yamal have reached 10 goals and 10 assists in all competitions for the club.
Chelsea’s defeat is a gain for Barcelona
The Spain international was linked with a move to Catalonia last summer, with Chelsea interested, but the London club’s failure to meet Barca’s asking price meant he stayed and subsequently flourished.
Reports this week suggest he is set to extend his contract, which already runs until 2029, by two years.
He told Mundo Deportivo: “I want to be at Barca, it has always been my priority.
“The question [of the new contract] it’s going well. There are some things left, but I intend to be at Barça, which is the most important for me. The truth is that I hope it will be done soon. I am very happy.
“I have progressed a lot since last year, I have matured.”
On his achievements this season, he added: “It’s great to be able to help the team with goals and assists. It’s not a goal I set for myself, but I know that because of the position I play in, I have to score goals and give assists to help the team. I’m very happy. I hope there can be many more.”