Chelsea ‘to grab Mbuyamba on free transfer this summer’ with 18-year-old defender set to leave Barcelona when deal ends
CHELSEA have reportedly been handed a major boost in their quest to snare Xavier Mbuyamba away from Barcelona at the end of the season.
The 18-year-old defender – who is known to to be a target for the Blues – is claimed to have been deemed surplus to requirements by the Blaugrana.
Mbuyamba has already trained with Barca’s first team, but there isn’t enough room for him to be included in their B team next term.
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According to Spanish news outlet Sport, the Dutch centre-back will be allowed to leave the Nou Camp on a free transfer.
They claim despite having a contract until 2023, Mbuyamba will not be offered a new deal, with the player now expected to leave the club in June.
As well as Chelsea, it has been stated that Real Madrid, Juventus, Inter Milan and AZ Alkmaar are also keen on the teenager.
But it is the West Londoners that are said to be leading the race to sign Mbuyamba, who can also be deployed as a right-back.
Speaking to VI, the player’s agent Carlos Barros said: “Almost all major clubs in Europe have asked about Xavier. Real Madrid is also there, they are serious about their education, but that would of course be a sensitive switch
“Juventus and Inter are interested, as are top clubs from Germany and England.
“Chelsea have the best credentials. Of course, we discussed this extensively last year.
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“They gave a fantastic presentation. There is a unique football atmosphere there. During lunch you are immediately with the first-team players and the club has outlined a very ambitious plan for Xavier.
“They really think that in one to two years, he can be a starter in the first team. Frank Lampard has of course already proven that he is not afraid to start young players.
“Being in the starting line-up at Chelsea at the age of twenty would of course be great.”