Barcelona leading race to sign player targetted by Chelsea and Arsenal - Reports
Barcelona are leading the race to sign 18-year-old SC Corinthians midfielder Gabriel Moscardo ahead of Premier League sides, Arsenal and Chelsea, as reported by 90min.
The Blues reportedly wanted to secure a loan deal for the 18-year-old during the summer transfer window. Moscardo stated that he'll wait until the end of the calender year before making any decision.
The Brazilian teenager has made 22 appearances for the Corinthians senior team so far. He has been mainly deployed as right-sided midfielder in his team's preferred 4-4-2 or 4-5-1 formation.
In a post-match interview after his team's 1-1 draw against Clube Atlético Mineiro, Moscardo said:
"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"
"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."
Chelsea are reportedly still interested in completing the signing of the teenager. However, they will be facing competition from La Liga giants, FC Barcelona. The Spanish champions are keen to sign the Brazilian midfielder as the replacement for longserving talisman Sergio Busquets, who joined Inter Miami earlier this year.
As the report further states, Gabriel Moscardo, as it stands, prefers moving to Camp Nou. Mikel Arteta's Arsenal are also said to be a part of the race to sign the 18-year-old Brazilian. However, they are reportedly yet to enter into any advanced talks.
Barcelona interested in signing former Premier League star: Reports
Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing Leicester City's Wilfred Ndidi. The Nigerian plays as a defensive midfielder and his contract with the Foxes expires next summer. Wilfred Ndidi joined Leicester City from KRC Genk in 2017 for a reported transfer fee of £15 million and potential £3 million in add-ons.
Since signing for the Foxes in 2017, Ndidi has made 252 appearances and has recorded 14 goals and 16 assists. According to SPORT, La Blaugrana think the Nigerian football player could be a viable option in their pursuit of a holding midfielder.
Leicester City had been Premier League regulars since the 2014-15 season. However, after an 18th-place finish last season with 34 points, they were relegated to the EFL Championship.