Liverpool could be given chance to sign Barcelona wonderkid Gavi on free transfer - Paper Round
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Updated 22/03/2023 at 08:30 GMT
Liverpool may be able to sign Barcelona's teenage midfielder Gavi on a free transfer this season due to a contract clause, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic may be sold by Lazio to Arsenal for a bargain fee in the summer, Chelsea are unhappy with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and could release him from his contract, and Sergio Ramos may sign fresh terms to stay at PSG.
Klopp: Liverpool face ‘massive task’ to qualify for the Champions League
Liverpool aim to sign Gavi for free
A contract quirk could give Liverpool the chance to sign Barcelona’s brilliant young midfielder Gavi, according to The Mirror.
“Liverpool's hopes of landing Barcelona superstar Gavi have been boosted after it was claimed the midfielder has already been unregistered from their squad for next season,” the report begins.
“The 18-year-old has been excellent for Xavi Hernandez's side this term. He has played in all but one La Liga match as Barcelona chase their first league title since 2019.
“Last week, it emerged that Liverpool are exploring the option to sign Gavi after Barcelona were unable to register his new professional contract due to 'salary cap' issues. The teenager committed his future to the Spanish giants by agreeing a bumper new deal - which includes a whopping €1billion (£866m) release clause - back in September.
“However, La Liga refused to ratify the deal due to the club's ongoing financial issues and Barcelona were working around the possibility to ensure it is registered for next season
“After penning his new contract last year, Gavi was still registered as an academy player, but there was a plan to change his status into a professional. This can only be done during a transfer window, though.
“Barcelona tried to do it in January but that wasn't possible, with La Liga claiming Barcelona were in breach of their salary limit. It means Gavi still isn't signed as a professional player and there is a clause in his new contract that will allow him to leave on a free transfer in the summer if he still hasn't been registered as a first-team player by June 30.”
Milinkovic-Savic may be ready to leave Lazio
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic may finally depart Lazio after years of being linked with a transfer to the Premier League, with Arsenal mentioned by The Sun as the likely destination.
With the 28-year-old getting towards the end of his contract, there could be scope for Arteta’s side to land him at a reduced fee, the paper believes.
The story states: “The Gunners are looking to strengthen in midfield in the summer transfer window and Milinkovic-Savic is among Mikel Arteta's top candidates.
“The Biancocelesti have accepted the high possibility of losing the Serbia international in June and are already making contingency plans.
“The Serie A giant's 'hottest' target is Scottish star Lewis Ferguson, who has stood out in Italy this season.
“The midfielder has scored four goals in 22 appearances with Bologna.
“However, Maurizio Sarri's team is facing a bidding war with other major Italian clubs over the 23-year-old's signature.
“But with the [Milinkovic-Savic’s] contract expiring at the end of next season, Lazio would now accept bids of £44m.
“The versatile midfielder's price could further decrease with his representatives looking to bring the figure down to £31m.”
Aubameyang could be released by Chelsea
Pierre-Aubameyang’s appearance at Barcelona to support his former club was an expression of his desire to re-join the Catalans, and the stunt has also left Chelsea ready to cancel his contract this summer, given he is rarely playing at Stamford Bridge.
“The 33-year-old striker is out of favour with the Blues and has only played seven minutes in the Premier League since January 21,” the Daily Mail states.
“Chelsea are reportedly unimpressed at Aubameyang's trip to support his former club Barcelona in El Clasico against Real Madrid on Sunday.
“Though Aubameyang is not in direct contact with Barcelona president Joan Laporta, he has made clear his desire to return to the Catalan side - and could even take a pay cut to force the move through.
“The Gabonese international moved to Stamford Bridge for £10million from Barcelona on September 2, re-joining then-boss Thomas Tuchel after seven successful months at the Nou Camp which saw him score 13 goals in 24 games in all competitions.”
PSG and Ramos in talks to extend contract
Paris Saint-Germain’s 36-year-old defender Sergio Ramos could remain at the Parc des Princes into next year as he plays some of his best football after a tough first season in France.
Spanish newspaper Marca believes that a contract may not be straightforward, given other concerns for PSG.
“Sergio Ramos will not be playing for Spain but he would like to continue playing for Paris Saint-Germain, and there has already been contact around a contract renewal,” the paper writes.
“The economic side of the deal is yet to be agreed upon, but what is important is that both want to continue together into next season.
“Ramos, in a short time, has become one of the leaders of the dressing room and PSG want him to stay.
“On the player's side, there is also a predisposition to continue, but his current contract level is difficult to maintain.
“PSG, who also have Lionel Messi's renewal pending, have to keep an eye on financial fair-play rules that will squeeze them in June.”
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