Barcelona are leading Chelsea in the race to sign 18-year-old Corinthians midfielder Gabriel Moscardo, 90min understands.
Moscardo, who has 20 senior appearances to his name, was the subject of an offer from Chelsea during the summer, but the teenager recently confirmed his plan to wait until the end of the calendar year to decide his future.
“There was a proposal from Chelsea months ago, but I talk a lot with my agent and my parents and they try to give me as little information as possible,” Moscardo said.
“They say there is not long until the end of the season, they tell me to dedicate myself and do well, and that at the end of the season, there will be good things.”
Sources have confirmed to 90min that Chelsea’s interest in Moscardo remains, but the Blues are facing significant competition from Barcelona in their pursuit of the teenage midfielder.
Barcelona are huge admirers of Moscardo and are pushing hard to convince him to head to Camp Nou, and 90min understands that, as it stands, Moscardo would prefer to join Xavi’s side.
A young defensive midfielder is high on Barcelona’s wish list as they continue to search for the long-term replacement to Sergio Busquets, who left for Inter Miami during the summer. 32-year-old Oriol Romeu was brought back to the club this summer to temporarily fill the void.
Royal Antwerp’s Arthur Vermeeren is another target for Barcelona. The 18-year-old Belgium international has significant interest from across Europe and has already had the chance to impress Xavi directly in this season’s Champions League.
Barca sporting director Deco has already been active in the Brazilian market, overseeing the agreement to sign striker Vitor Roque from Athletico Paranaense, and there is hope in Catalonia that he will also succeed in landing Moscardo’s signature.
Arsenal are also known to have watched Moscardo this season but are not yet believed to have advanced their interest.
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