Chelsea hold talks with Barcelona teenager Gavi

Chelsea have held talks with the representatives of Barcelona’s teenage midfielder Gavi over a summer move to Stamford Bridge amid a contract dispute.

Gavi barcelona

Considered one of Europe’s best young talents, Gavi, 18, is enjoying a strong season with Barcelona, racking up a goal and three assists in 27 La Liga games. He has become a crucial cog in Xavi Hernandez’s side that is 13 points clear at the summit of La Liga.

However, the Spanish international is currently involved in a major contract dispute between Barcelona and La Liga. Last September, Gavi signed a new contract to stay at Camp Nou until 2026, having until that point been registered as an academy player. His new deal also contained a clause that would allow him to leave as a free agent if Barcelona had not registered him as a first-team player by the end of the 2022/23 season—something the Catalan club ultimately did in January.

However, La Liga stated that the teenage midfielder cannot be registered in the first team as Barcelona have failed to comply with the salary limit rules. Amidst a legal dispute between the club and La Liga, Gavi is believed to be unhappy with the situation he now finds himself in.

As a result, Chelsea are reportedly looking to take advantage of the situation and have met with Gavi and his entourage to discuss a summer switch. It is understood that the meeting went well and the Blues are willing to offer the Spaniard a lucrative contract, as co-owner Todd Boehly looks to add another young talent to his expensively assembled squad.

Luis Enrique favourite to become the next permanent Chelsea manager

Luis Enrique has emerged as a favourite to become Chelsea’s new permanent manager. The first contract between Chelsea and Enrique took place earlier this month through a Zoom video call. A few days later after the online interaction, the Spanish manager, along with his son Pacho and agent Ivan De la Pena, travelled to London to meet Todd Boehly, president and one of the club’s owners.

After the face-to-face meeting, Enrique has been tipped to take over at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea would hope the prospect of playing under Enrique—former Spanish national team manager—lures Gavi to join them.

For the time being, Frank Lampard has been appointed the manager until the end of the season after the Blues decided to part ways with Graham Potter. The west London outfit are expected to take some time to bring in Potter’s permanent successor, as Boehly aims to get his next appointment spot on.

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