Napoli step up interest in Barcelona midfielder Gavi ahead of January window

Napoli have made an initial move to explore the possibility of signing Barcelona midfielder Gavi during the next winter transfer window, according to reports in Spain and Italy.

Mundo Deportivo says the 22-year-old’s limited playing time this season has attracted Napoli’s attention, with the Italian club monitoring his situation closely. The report also says enquiries between the two clubs are already taking place.

Italian outlet Calciomercato has reported that a move could develop during the forthcoming January transfer window, with Napoli working to strengthen a midfield affected by a series of injuries in recent weeks.

Barcelona are reportedly prepared to allow Gavi to leave for €40m.

Gavi’s position within the Barcelona squad has changed significantly after he had been regarded as an automatic starter. His competition for a place increased further following the arrival of Rodri during the summer, with the midfield options already including Pedri, Bernal, De Jong, Fermin and Dani Olmo.

He has played only 146 minutes across four La Liga appearances this season. In the Champions League, he has featured for 45 minutes and came on as a substitute in three of his appearances.

That reduction in opportunities has raised the possibility that Gavi could leave Barcelona in January, with Napoli keen to take advantage of his uncertain role.

The midfielder rejected interest from Manchester United during the summer. He was determined to remain at Barcelona after the final part of last season, when he recovered from a knee injury and started eight of the club’s final nine La Liga matches.

That run of involvement helped Gavi secure his place in the World Cup squad, but he has since slipped down the midfield pecking order at Barcelona.

Napoli are now considering whether to turn their interest into a formal approach as they look to add depth and quality to their midfield. The current reports indicate that contact has started, although no agreement has been reached between the clubs.

Any potential deal would therefore depend on whether Barcelona’s valuation is accepted and whether Gavi changes his stance after previously deciding to continue his career at the Catalan club.