According to sources, the newly-promoted Premier League side are targeting the 22-year-old midfielder, who is on the brink of reaching 100 appearances for the Spanish giants, News.Az reports, citing Spanish news outlet Fichajes.
This ambitious bid would not only represent a significant step in Sunderland's ongoing rebuilding project but would also set a new benchmark for transfers by a promoted club.
If the deal goes through, it would surpass the £42 million spent by Nottingham Forest on Morgan Gibbs-White after their promotion to the Premier League, making it the highest transfer fee ever paid by a club in their first season back in the top flight. Additionally, it would break Sunderland's own club-record transfer, which was set earlier this year when they signed midfielder Habib Diarra from Strasbourg for £30 million.
Lopez has been a key figure in Barcelona's midfield this season, regularly featuring for the La Liga side. Despite his important role at Camp Nou, the rising star has emerged as a target for Sunderland, who are clearly looking to strengthen their squad with high-quality players as they aim for European qualification.
