Chelsea 'willing to break the bank' for Gavi

Stuart Telford

• 15 Apr 2023 14:02 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea are willing to make Barcelona Golden Boy Gavi one of the highest-paid players in the Premier League should he swap Camp Nou for Stamford Bridge this summer, according to reports in Spain.

Gavi has emerged as one of the brightest prospects in world football in recent seasons, and is rated at a cool €102.9 million by FootballTransfers' in-house algorithm, but Barca risk not seeing a cent of that transfer value.

The Blaugrana tried to tie Gavi down to a new four-year contract in September - one with a €1 billion release clause - but La Liga wouldn't allow the club to register it amid their ongoing financial troubles.

READ: How Barcelona want to line up for 2023/24 - including Lionel Messi

Indeed, La Liga want Barca to reduce their debt by €200m if they are to take part in a competition they lead Real Madrid by 13 points in this season next term, and Gavi could be available on a free transfer this summer.

Chelsea have already made their move, with Spanish sports daily AS reporting on the gravity of their intent.

Boehly to meet with Gavi's parents

"In the case of accepting the proposal to go to Stamford Bridge, the midfielder would become one of the highest-paid players not only at Chelsea, but also in the Premier League, according to sources close to the operation," they write.

"The English club would be willing to 'break the bank' to get a player they have wanted for a year."

READ: How Chelsea could line up with Gavi

Chelsea first met with Gavi's agent Ivan de la Pena in Madrid three weeks ago, and there is another meeting planned in which the Blues' co-owner Todd Boehly and Gavi's parents will attend.

Chelsea's current top earner is Raheem Sterling, who make £16.9m a year before tax. Gavi's recent contract offer would have lifted him to €6.8m (£6m) a season, but the terms have reverted to his youth team contract which works out at £1,600 a week.

Barca coach Xavi says he should stay regardless of the money on offer.

"I have the feeling that Gavi wouldn't be as happy at any other club as he is at Barca," he said. "He's fundamental here, a crucial player for us."