Chelsea have held positive initial talks about a summer transfer for top Barcelona talent Gavi, according to reports in Spain.
Barcelona are currently at risk of losing Gavi on a free transfer in the summer, despite his contract being due to last until 2026. Indeed, La Liga have not approved the registration of the midfielder’s extension for the next three seasons due to a salary cap, so he technically remains on his initial youth deal.
Therefore, Gavi might have to find a new club at the end of the current campaign. And according to AS, Chelsea could be his next destination.
In fact, Chelsea have already been meeting with Gavi’s agent, Ivan de la Pena – who, coincidentally, also represents Luis Enrique, one of the contenders to take over from Frank Lampard as manager in the summer.
When Gavi was discussed, Chelsea’s technical director Christopher Vivell emphasised how important his role would be if he was to move to Stamford Bridge.
According to the report, both parties felt the talks – which took place three weeks ago in Madrid – were positive. In turn, they have mutually agreed to continue discussions working towards a potential summer deal.
As part of any contract offer, Chelsea would be willing to give Gavi a significant signing-on bonus as an incentive to join them.
More should emerge from the next meeting, which is scheduled to take place soon.
Interestingly, the report relays that Chelsea tried to sign Gavi last summer and would have been willing to spend €50million on him. Soon, their patience could pay off, gifting them an even better deal.
Exciting Gavi deal falling into Chelsea’s hands
Still only 18 years old, Gavi has already established himself as a full Spain international with 19 caps – including a debut under Enrique, who remains an admirer – and a key part of Barcelona’s first team. This season, he has made 40 appearances in all competitions.
Overall, he has now played 87 times at senior level for Barcelona. But he has supposedly grown frustrated with how the club have been treating his contract situation.
That said, TEAMtalk was recently told that some of Gavi’s suitors aren’t convinced he does want to leave Barcelona.
Nevertheless, Gavi might have to consider a new challenge in the summer, which Chelsea could provide. It would be the first transfer of his career, and therefore his first taste of Premier League football.
Because of his potential, Gavi could go on to reach elite levels – if he hasn’t already. Hence, he should be able to adapt to any environment as he continues his development.
Chelsea are aiming to modify their midfield again in the summer. In January, they already broke the British transfer record to strengthen the department with Enzo Fernandez.
During the same month, Jorginho left to join Arsenal. Furthermore, by the end of the season, N’Golo Kante could be out of contract.
Chelsea have been working on a renewal for Kante, though, so he could yet remain with them. Other players at risk of leaving include Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic, Conor Gallagher, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Denis Zakaria.
Given the amount of potential movement in their midfield, Chelsea will need to look at further reinforcements. With that in mind, Gavi will definitely be receiving more of their attention as the summer window approaches.
