Chelsea in talks to sign Gavi amid Barcelona contract dispute
Chelsea are reportedly in talks to sign Gavi with the Barcelona wonderkid currently available on a free in the summer.
Considered one of, if not the best young player in the world right now, Gavi is enjoying a successful season on the pitch, with the midfielder a key part of the Barcelona team that is 13 points clear at the top of Spanish league table.
In 2022, he won both the Golden Boy and Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best U21 player in the world, ahead of the likes of Jude Bellinghamand Bukayo Saka.
Off the pitch is a very different story however, with the midfielder currently involved in a major contract dispute between his club and La Liga.
In short, last September the 18-year-old signed a new contract to keep him at the Camp Nou until 2026, having until that point been registered as an academy player, and handed the No.6 shirt, previously worn by his manager and Barcelona legend Xavi.
His new deal also included a clause that would allow him to leave as a free agent if the Catalan giants had not registered him as a first-team player by the end of the season – something the club eventually did in January.
However, La Liga have not recognised this as they state that Gavi cannot be registered in the first-team as Barcelona are in breach of their salary limit rules – an issue that has plagued the side in recent years.
The two parties are currently disputing the matter legally, while Gavi, who was forced to revert back to the No.30 shirt, is said to be unhappy with the situation he now finds himself in.
Now, according to AS, Chelsea are looking to take advantage of the mess and the Spain international’s mood, with Blues officials said to have met with the player and his family to discuss a summer transfer.
The report claims the meeting went well and the Premier League side are willing to offer the teenager a huge contract as Todd Boehly looks to add another young superstar to his massive and highly expensive squad.
Chelsea could also lure Gavi in with the prospect of playing under former Barcelona manager Luis Enrique who remains the favourite to take over at Stamford Bridge.
In the meantime, interim boss Frank Lampard will be in the dugout on Wednesday night when the Blues take on Real Madrid in the first-leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie.
Gavi and Barcelona will next be in action on Sunday when they travel to Getafe.
