First date! Will Chelsea snap Barça jewel Gavi on a free transfer?

With his future at Barcelona hanging in the balance, despite only signing a new long-term contract last September, Gavi’s name has been in the conversation at many of Europe’s top clubs. Loud Diario AS Chelsea FC tried to be the first club to try for the 18-year-old.

Accordingly, the club met with Gavi’s agent to let him know that they want to sign the Spaniard. The first meeting went well and further talks were scheduled to reach a final conclusion.

Due to FC Barcelona’s ongoing financial problems, Gavi’s latest contract is not yet valid. Barça need to register him as a first-team player by July but need to free up funds to do so. Diario AS report that if the Blaugrana aren’t able to lower their wage costs to register Gavi, his contract could be terminated and Chelsea would have free rein to sign him on a free transfer.

Chelsea are therefore ready to make Gavi a high offer. Should an agreement be reached with Luis Enrique as the club’s new manager, this could also increase the chances of a commitment. The Blues have temporarily brought Frank Lampard back until the end of the season while they take the time to find a permanent replacement for Graham Potter.

Chelsea’s priority will no doubt be finding a new manager, but they will be keeping an eye on Gavi’s situation and staying in touch with his representatives. Barcelona will do everything they can to persuade the midfielder to stay, with the ball likely to lie with the 18-year-old.