Barcelona director of football Mateu Alemany is adamant Gavi will not be leaving Camp Nou for Chelsea this summer and has allayed fears over his contract situation.
The 18-year-old has established himself as a key part of Barca’s side despite his tender years, while he has already racked up 19 caps for Spain.
However, a contract issue means Barcelona could face the prospect of losing their highly rated midfielder for nothing this summer.
Gavi’s contract extension required him to be registered in the first-team squad, but La Liga cancelled his registration, reverting him back to a youth player, as Barca were unable to comply with the salary cap limits when the youngster’s £7million-a-year wages were factored in.
As such, Gavi has remained on his old Juvenil A contract, meaning technically he could be available on a free transfer this summer.
That has alerted a number of clubs, particularly in the Premier League, with both Liverpool and Manchester City linked with moves before Chelsea emerged as the frontrunners for his signature.
But director of football Alemany insists Gavi is going nowhere and Barcelona will register the Spain international as soon as possible.
‘Gavi renewed at the time for four seasons and he has three more to go,’ Alemany told DAZN on Sunday evening.
‘For sure he’s going to honour his contract. What’s more, we are convinced that not only will he fulfil his contract, he is going to finish his career at Barcelona.
‘That’s what he wants, what our fans want and what we want.’
He added: ‘We have absolute peace of mind. The player renewed, we are going to register him for sure, and for our part there is no problem.’
Manager Xavi was asked about Gavi’s future amid the links to Chelsea over the weekend and replied: ‘I don’t think Gavi would be happy at another club.
‘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.’
MORE : Xavi urges Barcelona midfielder Gavi to snub Chelsea transfer
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