Xavi urges Barcelona midfielder Gavi to snub Chelsea transfer

BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 19: Pablo Paez 'Gavi' of FC Barcelona looks on during the LaLiga Santander match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at Spotify Camp Nou on March 19, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Xavi has urged Gavi to reject Chelsea following their approach for the Barcelona midfielder.

The 18-year-old has quickly established himself as a key part of Barcelona's side which currently sits 10 points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga. He has also made a swift impact at international level with 19 caps for Spain, including four appearances at the World Cup last year.

However, Barcelona face the prospect of losing Gavi on a free transfer following a contract registration dispute with La Liga.

Gavi agreed a new long-term contract, which includes a €1 billion (£883m) release clause, in September but La Liga's attempt to block the deal has been successful as the league claims that Barca are unable to afford the midfielder's €8m (£7.1m)-a-year salary.

Until Barcelona succeed with their appeal, Gavi will be on his Juvenil A contract, which means he will be available to sign as a free agent until his registration is given the green light.

That has alerted both Liverpool and Manchester City, but earlier this week reports in Spain claimed that Chelsea had opened talks to sign Gavi this summer.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 24: Xavi, Head coach of FC Barcelona speaks to Gavi of FC Barcelona during the friendly match between FC Barcelona and Manchester City at Camp Nou on August 24, 2022 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

However, Xavi is adamant that Gavi's long-term future should be at Barcelona.

'I don't think Gavi would be happy at another club,' Xavi said when asked about the midfielder's potential exit this summer.

'He has everything here. He is 18 years old. He's a key player of our team.

'For me, he's a footballer that is outstanding.

'I don't know what he'll decide but I think his future is here at the club.'

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