After securing Clément Lenglet's continuity without paying a single euro, now they intend to repeat the move with another less prominent profile. The strategy is clear: identify expendable pieces for Hans-Dieter Flick and move before other clubs react.
With the memory still fresh of the deals for Villa, Suárez, Griezmann, or Depay, the Madrid club is once again looking toward Barcelona. Diego Pablo Simeone has highlighted several names with immediate potential to strengthen its locker room. Among them are Ferran Torres, Marc Casadó, and, above all, Fermín López, who has been gaining prominence strongly.
But if there's a player who obsesses the Argentine coach, it's Pablo Páez Gavira, better known as Gavi. Despite his young age, the "6" is still seen as a gem with room for improvement and an ideal character for the rojiblanco style. Simeone believes that, if well managed, he could become one of the project's short-term leaders.
A delicate situation that casts doubt on Gavi's continuity
Since his serious knee injury, which occurred more than a year ago, Gavi hasn't managed to recover his best form. Although he has shown flashes of quality, he's still far from the level that made him an undisputed starter. The strong competition in midfield hasn't helped him stabilize as a starter either.
Pedri and Frenkie de Jong have settled in regularly, while names like Dani Olmo or the promising Marc Bernal are pushing from behind. The reality is that Gavi has lost space in Flick's plans, something that hasn't gone unnoticed by him or his inner circle. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, the Andalusian needs minutes and urgent continuity.
His contract was recently renewed until 2030, but that extension doesn't guarantee his non-transferable status. At the club, they acknowledge that there are no untouchable players anymore, and that any strong offer can change the plans. In that context, Atlético has decided to move discreetly but decisively.
Barça sets the price: 80 million or there's no possible conversation
Joan Laporta and Deco have clearly set their position: they'll only talk if the offer approaches 80 million. They consider that Gavi, despite his drop in form, is still a strategic asset with future value. In addition, they don't want to repeat past mistakes by letting talents go for symbolic amounts.
From the Metropolitano, however, they don't intend to reach that amount. The intention is to negotiate down and look for formulas that reduce the total cost of the operation. Loaned players, variables, and installment payments are some of the tools on the table.
The idea in Madrid is clear: take advantage of Barça's sporting and institutional situation to open cracks. Gavi isn't the only player they're targeting. In addition to strengthening the midfield, Simeone wants to add a dynamic profile, with attacking ability and good ball control.
That profile has a name and surname: Fermín López. Atlético also wants to take him from Camp Nou this summer. If the final offensive is launched, Barça will have to make a key decision: resist or let go two of its young players with the most potential.