Gavi is once again at the center of attention. Atlético de Madrid has launched a direct and straightforward offensive to take him from Barça this very summer. Diego Pablo Simeone wants him as the cornerstone of his new project, and he hasn't hesitated to make a move.
From the sports management of the colchonero club, they believe that Gavi fits perfectly into Cholo's style. Physicality, intensity, aggressiveness, and competitive character: he has everything needed to shine at the Metropolitano. Above all, now is a perfect time to try.
The Andalusian's situation at Camp Nou is not ideal. After his injury, Gavi has lost prominence, and Flick doesn't guarantee him either minutes or hierarchy. That lack of clarity has set off the alarm… meanwhile, in Madrid, they know it perfectly well.
An aggressive plan: De Paul plus a young talent for Gavi
Atlético is not willing to wait and wants to close the deal as soon as possible. According to sources close to the operation, Simeone has offered Barça a swap deal with two names on the table. Rodrigo de Paul would be the key piece of the deal, accompanied by a youth academy player with minutes in the top flight.
De Paul has been liked in Barça's offices for some time. His international experience, competitive character, and versatility make him attractive for a midfield that needs muscle. In addition, the Argentine would leave Madrid with his coach's approval.
The second player hasn't been revealed yet, but it would be a young gem with immediate potential. From La Masia, there has been monitoring for months, and his profile would fit the sporting model Hansi Flick is promoting to rejuvenate the squad.
Barça doesn't consider him untouchable: 80 million or a major offer
In Camp Nou's offices, they no longer talk about untransferables. Gavi, despite his connection with the club and the fans, could leave if the proposal is convincing. Joan Laporta has set a price: 80 million euros ($86.8 million) or an equivalent formula that brings in cash and immediate reinforcements.
The club needs income, but they don't want to give away one of its most high-profile figures. The sports management is open to creative formulas, and Atlético has been the first to propose a tailor-made operation. The player's pressure could be key if he wants minutes and continuity.
Gavi wants to play. He doesn't want another season in the shadows or to live at the mercy of tactical decisions. The 2024 Euro Cup was a turning point for him, and now he only contemplates being a total protagonist.
Cholo's last move: he wants to strike the eternal rival
Atlético's offensive has a deeper background. Simeone knows that taking Gavi from Barça is not just a sporting reinforcement. It's a direct maneuver against a historic rival and a message to the rest of Europe: the rojiblanco project wants to take another step up.
It wouldn't be the first time the colchonero club has fished at Camp Nou. They already did it with Villa, Suárez, Griezmann, or Depay. Now they could repeat the blow with a name that would especially hurt the blaugrana stands.
Simeone has already decided, Atlético wants Gavi and has put De Paul and a young talent on the table. Barça is listening. If there's an agreement, the next major bomb of the summer could shake up LaLiga.
