Fabrizio Romano has played down the speculations about a meeting between Chelsea and the representative of Barcelona midfielder Gavi over a potential summer move.
The initial report came from a report from Spanish outlet AS that claimed Chelsea, led by technical director Christopher Vivell, had a meeting with Gavi’s agent Ivan de la Pena a few weeks ago over a summer switch.
Gavi is currently still not registered as a first-team player for Barcelona because La Liga deemed the club exceeded the salary cap with the deal they offered to the 18-year-old last September.
AS claimed that Chelsea saw this as an opportunity to sign the 2022 Golden Boy winner.
Romano, however, insisted that while Chelsea indeed met with De la Pena, it was not because of Gavi.
“We know that Chelsea love all the top talents in the world and they have a project for the future, so they’d love to sign all the best talents,” the Italian journalist said on his YouTube channel when speaking about the reported meeting between Chelsea and Gavi’s agent.
“From what I understand, Chelsea had contacts with Ivan de la Pena, but because he’s representing Luis Enrique and not for a discussion about Gavi at this stage.
“Also from Chelsea, there is no confirmation of any talks to sign Gavi.
“Gavi’s full focus at the moment is on Barcelona, who are very quiet and relaxed about the [speculations].
“Gavi signed a new deal with Barcelona months ago, but it is not registered to La Liga because of the club’s financial situation.
“Barcelona remain optimistic — they know Gavi wants to stay.”
In addition to Gavi’s reported desire to stay at Barcelona, Chelsea also have plenty of young centre-midfield options already.
Carney Chukwkuemeka, Lewis Hall, and Cesare Casadei [on loan at Reading] are among the highly-rated teenage midfielders in Chelsea’s books.
While among the more experienced options; there are Enzo Fernandez, Mason Mount, and Conor Gallagher, who can play as number eights.
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