Barcelona could pip Chelsea to the signing of Celta Vigo striker Maxi Gomez in a cut-price deal this summer.
The Blues had been linked with a swoop for the Uruguayan international in the upcoming transfer window.
However, they will be unable to complete deals in the summer and next January as a consequence of FIFA’s decision to hand them a transfer ban. Chelsea attempted to freeze this, enabling them to land players ahead of next season, but this appeal was rejected.
This appears to have left Barcelona with a clear run at signing Gomez from Celta this summer, and it seems they could do so for half of what his release clause is worth.
Spanish news outlet Diario Sport reports that the 22-year-old will be available for only €25 million in the summer instead of the fixed price of €50 million if his side succumb to relegation.
Celta are currently in a precarious position and sit in 18th place on the La Liga table. If they do indeed drop down a division ahead of next season, potential suitors such as Barca could swoop to sign Gomez in a bargain deal.
