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Gabri may have played his final game in a Barcalona jersey against Real Mallorca last Sunday.

It is understood that he player is expected to put pen to paper on a new contract today or at least go on loan for the rest of the season. Gabri's arrival in London today to discuss personal terms comes after Frank Rijkaard agreed to Gabri´s transfer request on Monday.
After his severe long-term injury last year, Gabri hasn't managed to hold a regular place with the “Azulgrana”. In a personal meeting with coach Frank Rijkaard and sport director Txiki Begiristain, both made clear that Gabri is considered an important part of the team and that should be given the opportunity to compete for a regular place in the squad. However, they also agreed that they would not stand in the way of the long serving and loyal catalan player, if he requested a transfer.

Gabri has expressed his frustration with the fact that it will be difficult for him to get in the start up line, with Beletti and Oleguer playing in his right defender's position, indeed, the whole right side of the field is covered with class players such as Giuly, Messi, Ezquierro, Van Bommel, Iniesta and Deco.

Reluctantly he has decided to hand in his transfer request and asked for permission to negotiate a move to the East End of London. It seems that the Hammers made an offer lucrative enough to lure Gabri away from the Nou Camp to ply his trade at Upton Park. The manager of the `Hammers', Alan Pardew, sees Gabri as the ideal candidate to fill the gap left after the departure of Tomas Repka. Another English side, Middlesbrough, has also shown an interest in Gabri but it seems that the player has decided to move to Upton Park