According to reports from The Metro yesterday evening, prodigious left-back Jose Luis Gaya has rejected a contract extension at Valencia to manufacture a summer move to a top European club.
The 19 year-old has been in fantastic form this season, claiming four assists in 31 La Liga appearances whilst averaging an impressive 2.7 tackles and 2 interceptions per match.
And those superlative displays have attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs. As This Is Futbol revealed last month, Arsenal and Chelsea are both keen on the Spain U21, whilst The Metro list Real Madrid as rival suitors.
They’re hoping to pick up the left-back on the cheap this summer, following news his current contract includes a £13.6million release clause, as reported by The Daily Star at the start of April.
Chelsea could decide to part with Brazil international Filipe Luis this summer and view Gaya as a potential replacement, whilst Arsenal are always on the prowl for promising young talent.
But Valencia president Ameado Salvo has adamantly denied the defender will be sold this summer. As reported by ESPN, he told reporters last month; “Gaya will renew with Valencia, he’s not joining Madrid. You can quote me on that in your respective newspapers.”