Barcelona close in on renewing terms with Gavi amid Chelsea interest

La Liga heavyweights Barcelona are reportedly on the verge of reaching an agreement over a new deal with Gavi, a target for Chelsea.

According to reputed Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, Gavi is on the brink of extending his stay with Barcelona. The 17-year-old’s contract talks with the Catalan giants have reached an advanced stage, with a move to Chelsea highly unlikely. The Blaugrana will also remove his current €50 million release clause.

Gavi joined Barcelona from Real Betis in July 2015 before making rapid progress through the ranks at the club’s famed academy La Masia. The 17-year-old earned his first-team bow at the onset of the ongoing season amid Barcelona’s crippling financial situation, which has prevented them from making too many signings.

Barcelona’s losses on the financial front have translated into Gavi’s gain, with the teenage prodigy turning out 28 times across all competitions for the Blaugrana, chipping in with two goals and three assists in the process. The Spaniard has also broken into his national side, while also popping up on the radar of several high profile European clubs, including Chelsea.

The interest from Chelsea is a bit surprising, considering Thomas Tuchel has three world-class midfielders at his disposal in N’Golo Kante, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic. But with Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ross Barkley facing uncertain futures at Stamford Bridge, the Blues could be well-served by signing a midfielder, especially with Kante’s fitness issues in the past year.

Gavi was born in June 2004 (!). Important to remember. Another great performance showing his quality & leadership. ⭐️?? #FCB

Barcelona are not even worried with Chelsea rumours as he only wants to stay. New contract talks at final stages, €50m release clause will be removed. pic.twitter.com/azWzfs51wc

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 17, 2022

In addition, Jorginho has been heavily linked with a possible move to Juventus, with the Serie A giants keen on signing him in the summer. So Chelsea may have to keep their options open in the summer window.

The teenage prodigy’s €50 million release clause further makes him an attractive target for Chelsea and other prospective suitors. But Gavi has never been open to leaving Barcelona and is now on the verge of penning a new long-term contract with the Blaugrana.

According to Fabrizio Romano, contract talks between Barcelona and Gavi are at an advanced stage. Barcelona will also remove the 17-year-old’s €50 million release clause, possibly to introduce a €1 billion exit clause which they have also included in Pedri’s contract. As for Chelsea, the Blues will need to set their sights elsewhere, with Gavi set to extend his stay at Camp Nou.