Chelsea in talks for Barcelona midfielder Gavi

According to AS, Chelsea representatives have met with Gavi’s agent, Iván De la Peña, to open talks for a move for the Spain international.

The meeting between the parties to discuss the future of the midfielder took place in Madrid three weeks ago.

The English club’s representatives, led by sporting director Christopher Vivell, wanted to make Gavi aware of their intention to sign him and the importance he would have in the future of the club.

A further meeting is scheduled to take place in the near future to continue talks over a possible transfer.

The report adds that if Barcelona are unable to free up €200m of their salary cap before 30 June, his current contract would be invalid and he would be free to sign for Chelsea for free.

Gavi started the season as a reserve team player, but on 15 September he renewed his contract with Barcelona until 2026. The Blaugrana were able to register him in La Liga and later announced on their website that the midfielder was changing his number from 30 to 6.

La Liga refused to accept Gavi’s registration, as they claimed that Barcelona exceeded their salary limit. However, Barcelona’s legal services won a court battle and managed to get the court to accept the injunctions temporarily suspending La Liga’s ban.

On 25 March, Barcelona’s commercial court number 12 announced that the precautionary measures had been suspended. As a result, Gavi returned to reserve team status and once again picked up the number 30 shirt.

Chelsea now intend to take advantage of the situation. Last season, they tried to sign the 18-year-old and were willing to pay €50m to secure his services.

Kieran Quaile | GSFN

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