Could Barcelona prodigy Gavi join Chelsea?
Cameron Smith
- Updated: 7 Dec 2021 20:04 GMT
- 5 min read
Chelsea are renowned for dipping into the transfer market to sweep up the best young talent from across Europe, before distributing them out on loan, and often eventually selling them.
However, these players often come from lesser European leagues, and certainly don't play in the Champions League.
The latest youngster they have set their sights on certainly isn't an obscure name, that's for sure - it's Barcelona's Gavi.
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Only promoted into the Blaugrana first-team this season, Gavi is already a key player at both club and international level, with Luis Enrique recently handing him a starring role in the Spain senior team.
His appearances at both levels has coincided with Pedri's absence, but Gavi has proven he is more than capable of playing at the highest level.
Only 17, he has played in central midfield, and on both flanks already this season, with his versatility and ability on the ball particularly noteworthy.
Schooled at La Masia, it's unsurprising that Gavi is a technically proficient player, but he still stands out on the pitch. His diminutive frame is similar to that of his countryman Pedri, and he certainly possesses a few of the same traits.
That being said, they aren't the same player, and alongside each other they could form a partnership akin to the one Xavi, the current Barcelona manager, and Andres Iniesta developed over years at the Camp Nou.
However, Chelsea are determined to stop that plan in its tracks, and bring Gavi to West London.
That is according to El Nacional, who have reported that Thomas Tuchel is a great admirer of the Spanish midfielder, and is keen on signing him.
In addition to this, Roman Abramovich is understood to be a big fan of Gavi, and is willing to adhere to Tuchel's wishes, and make a move.
Gavi's contractual situation
One nuance that will boost Chelsea's chances of signing Gavi is his current contract at Barcelona. His present deal is set to expire in 2023, meaning he will enter the final year of the contract next summer.
Talks are said to be ongoing, and Joan Laporta wants a renewal to be finalised before the turn of the year, but there is still a window of opportunity for Chelsea.
Barcelona's financial struggles mean they aren't able to offer a huge wage to their youngster, and with several big clubs interested, all of whom are in a position to provide a much larger wage, Gavi will have to make a decision.
The Blaugrana initially believed a new deal would be an easy process, but thanks to interest from elsewhere, that hasn't proven to be the case.
There are a few reasons why Barcelona desperately want Gavi to sign a new deal, with the first being how talented he is, as well as when his current deal expires.
However, perhaps the most urgent issue is his release clause. At current, Gavi has a €50 million (£42m) release clause, which can be activated by any interested party. For such a talented player, that isn't much, and certainly not on the level of Ansu Fati, and the aforementioned Pedri, who both have a €900m release clause.
Laporta wants to secure Gavi's future at the club by extending his deal, and adding a similarly extortionate release clause in the contract.
How likely is a Chelsea move?
Well, if the Blues can make a move while Gavi's release clause is still a relatively low price, then it is possible.
Tuchel is clearly a big fan, and is keen to work with the Spain international, so that may play a huge role in proceedings.
They may face competition from elsewhere, but as the Champions League holders, Chelsea are in a strong position when it comes to negotiations.
Furthermore, they have the finances to offer a large wage to the teenager, and with an ageing midfield, Gavi would reinforce some youth into the side.
How would Gavi fit in at Chelsea?
At the moment, it's quite hard to see a role for Gavi. If Tuchel persists with the back-three system that has worked wonders at Stamford Bridge, which is expected, then Gavi doesn't fit in perfectly.
His style of play certainly suits a typical Barcelona 4-3-3, with his defensive work not quite good enough to play in a double pivot, and his attacking creativity not ideal for a No.10.
He has played as a wide creator for Barcelona this season, however, which could be where Tuchel would look to play him, but with competition so fierce in those positions, with the likes of Mason Mount, Hakim Ziyech and more, that does seem slightly far-fetched.
Tuchel could well coach Gavi to play in a midfield two, like he's done with Mateo Kovacic, but again that would take time, and a more reliable presence like Aurelien Tchouameni or Declan Rice would suit that position better.
Overall, Gavi doesn't really suit Chelsea, but considering his talent, the Blues might bite the bullet and work out a system for him once they've acquired his signature.
