Gavi plays down talk of Barcelona exit amid Chelsea links

Gavi has suggested that he has little intention of leaving Barcelona for the foreseeable future.

Despite being just 18 years of age, Gavi is already regarded as a key member of Xavi's first-team squad at Camp Nou.

The teenager has made 93 appearances in all competitions, contributing four goals and 12 assists, and a remarkable 19 caps have already been earned with Spain.

Nevertheless, despite the seamless transition from academy football, there has been constant talk regarding the starlet's future in recent months.

As it stands, Barcelona have been unable to hand Gavi his first professional contract, a consequence of their well-documented financial issues.

© Reuters

Having already failed with a bid to resolve the situation, the Catalan giants face making substantial cutbacks through sales and wage cuts before they can formally register Gavi for next season.

The uncertainty has led to the emergence of Chelsea monitoring the situation, aware that there may be a possibility of signing a world-class prospect on a free transfer.

However, speaking after helping Barcelona end their four-year wait for another La Liga title, Gavi indicated that he will be staying at his boyhood club.

Speaking to FCBTV, Gavi said: "This is the first title here, this is the club of my dreams — it's Barca. I hope there will be many more."

© Reuters

Gavi featured for the first 74 minutes as Barcelona posted a 4-2 triumph at the home of neighbours Espanyol on Sunday evening.

The game at the RCDE Stadium was effectively over by the 53rd minute as Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde netted either side of a double from Robert Lewandowski.

Despite the urgency to resolve Gavi's situation, Barcelona are also eager to hand fresh terms to Balde and bring in a number of players on free transfers.

Club legend Lionel Messi falls into that bracket, although it remains to be seen how Barcelona officials will be able to facilitate the return of the Argentine superstar.