Barcelona have submitted an official contract proposal to JJ Gabriel, offering the 16-year-old a three-year deal worth around €2 million in salary, plus bonuses, according to SPORT.
It must be remembered that Real Madrid remain in pole position to sign the highly rated youngster, with the Catalan club still competing to convince him to choose their project.
Gabriel is currently training in Castelldefels, near Barcelona, while considering his next move.
With his family and agent expected to announce his destination soon, the battle between Barcelona and Real Madrid is approaching a decisive stage.
Notably, the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are also interested, but the two Spanish giants are understood to hold the strongest positions in the race for the young English talent.
Barcelona make official contract proposal to JJ Gabriel
Barcelona have sent a formal proposal to JJ Gabriel. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Barcelona’s offer consists of a three-year contract, with a salary of approximately €2 million across the deal, alongside additional bonuses.
The proposal follows weeks of discussions and speculation surrounding Gabriel’s future, although the precise terms and the club’s negotiating position remain subject to reporting from the outlets covering the operation.
As such, Deco has previously denied that Barcelona were negotiating to sign Gabriel.
The club’s position is that his representative, Ali Barat, presented the player’s situation during a European tour to gauge interest from major clubs.
Nevertheless, the formal offer suggests Barcelona are being linked with a concrete proposal as the competition intensifies.
Real Madrid lead race as Gabriel considers his next club
JJ Gabriel will announce his decision soon. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Real Madrid are currently considered favourites to secure Gabriel’s signature, having accepted the financial and sporting conditions communicated by the player’s representatives.
The overall cost of Madrid’s proposed operation is estimated at €10 million, including the three-year contract, family-related bonuses, agent payments and performance-related incentives.
That figure is substantially less than the approximately €2 million salary reported for Barcelona’s offer, as it includes additional elements of the overall package.
Gabriel’s representatives have repeatedly indicated a preference for Barcelona if the club can satisfy the family’s minimum sporting and financial requirements.
That leaves the Catalan side with a chance to challenge Madrid, although the terms suggest the competition will likely be decided on financial grounds.