Barcelona looking to renew two young stars that will lead the club project

Apart from planning to make new additions to the squad in the transfer window, Barcelona are also working on tying down some of the current stars to new contracts.

Talks over an extension for Ousmane Dembele have gone south, leaving the Frenchman staring at an exit in the near future.

With his fate seemingly sealed, Barça are now ready to start contract talks with two of their best players from the ongoing campaign in Gavi and Ronald Araujo, reports MARCA.

Gavi has been the breakout star of the season for the Blaugrana, enjoying a stunning debut campaign, much like what Pedri did during 2020/21. A mainstay in midfield for the Catalans, the teenage prodigy has established a foothold in the Spanish national team.

In many ways, Gavi has been crucial to Barcelona’s recent surge up the La Liga table. The club are now ready to reward his performances with a big contract reflecting his status within the squad. They are working on renewing his deal while also planning to promote him to the first team officially.

The 17-year-old’s current contract, which runs till 2023, has a release clause worth €50 million, which Liverpool are believed to be planning to trigger. Barça are now planning to increase that amount to €1 billion to avoid any overtures from suitors.

Along with Gavi, the La Liga giants are also ready to open talks over a new contract for Ronald Araujo. The Uruguayan has been another crucial cog in Xavi’s team and has already attracted interest from several elite clubs in England.

Like Gavi, his contract also expires in 2023, and the Blaugrana are hoping to offer him an extension until 2026 with an improved salary. Recent reports had already indicated that the 22-year-old had made certain demands with regard to his wages, given that he is one of the lowest earners in the squad.

Barcelona will be hoping to tie up these contract extensions at the earliest possible and not let the duo enter the final year of their respective contracts.