Bayern Munich 'keeping close eye on Gavi's situation at Barcelona'

Bayern Munich are reportedly closely monitoring Gavi's situation at Barcelona with a view to potentially signing the midfielder on a free transfer next summer.

The 18-year-old was a vital player for his Catalan side during the 2021-22 campaign, making 46 appearances in all competitions, contributing two goals and six assists in the process.

The midfielder also became Spain's youngest ever player when he debuted last October, while he ended the 2021-22 La Liga season with two goals and six assists in 34 appearances.

Gavi has again been a key player at the start of this term, starting all four of his side's La Liga matches, but there is uncertainty surrounding his long-term future at Camp Nou.

The teenager's existing deal is due to expire next June, and there has not yet been an official announcement over a new contract despite various comments on the matter by club president Joan Laporta.

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Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea are all said to be admirers of the Spaniard, but according to Bild journalist Christian Falk, Bayern are also firmly in the running for his signature.

Falk claims that the Bundesliga champions are watching to see if the youngster signs a new deal at Barcelona or whether he could be available on a free transfer next June.

Over the summer, Laporta said that he was "optimistic" that Gavi would commit his future to the Catalan side.

"We're optimistic because we want Gavi to stay at Barcelona. We are very excited about him staying, he's from our academy. The player and his agent, who we know, also want to stay at Barcelona. We are very close to reaching an agreement," he told Marca.

However, there have been complications during the negotiations, with the club's president previously admitting his frustration.

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"His agent has had the renewal offer on the table for a long time," Laporta told L'Esportiu. "We don't have any news they have accepted it. The news that we do have is that they are comparing and at some time will say something. We have said our position and for now, it's not been accepted.

"Yes (hurt by the actions of Gavi's agent), because we don't understand it. Gavi is a player that we all like, he has a present and a magnificent future at Barcelona.

"Within the salary levels, it's more than acceptable. (But) we will not go out of these levels, because I don't want Barca to continue in the line that those before us were on that has taken Barca to ruin.

"If we have players that come out of the academy, we make them an offer of a present and a very good future, and if the agent is comparing and delaying the decision, it's understandable that I don't like the situation."

Gavi, who only turned 18 last month, has scored twice and registered six assists in 51 first-team appearances for Barcelona since debuting little over one year ago against Getafe.