Inter Milan plotting €60m swoop for Barcelona star as Simone Inzaghi eyes 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 Serie A defending champions and UCL 2025 finalists are eager to have fresh legs in the squad. While Inter has yet to make a formal offer, they have reportedly identified the 22-year-old as a priority target for the upcoming transfer window. Barcelona are said to be open to negotiations and have placed a €60 million price tag on Lopez.

Inter are preparing to rebuild their midfield, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan set to turn 36 and expected to leave when his contract expires in 2026. Fermin Lopez caught the attention of Inter scouts during Barcelona’s Champions League semi-final run, where the Nerazzurri edged Barca 7–6 on aggregate. The Spanish midfielder is seen as a high-upside talent who could add both depth and quality to Inter’s midfield.

Barcelona, already restricted by Financial Fair Play regulations and strict wage cap limitations, are prioritising contract renewals over big-name signings this summer. While Fermin Lopez isn’t considered a regular starter under Hansi Flick, his strong performances off the bench have made him one of the club’s top candidates to be sold in order to generate much-needed revenue.

Fermin Lopez enjoyed a breakthrough 2024/25 season, scoring eight goals and providing nine assists in 45 appearances for Barcelona, averaging a goal contribution every 114 minutes across all competitions. The 22-year-old has also impressed on the international stage, having been part of the Spain squads that won both the UEFA Euro and Olympic gold medal last year.

For now, Inter’s focus remains firmly on their upcoming Champions League final against PSG on May 31, 2025. As for Barcelona, the club is expected to finalise its summer plans after celebrating a successful domestic double, having secured both the LaLiga title and the Copa del Rey.