Chelsea are closer to clinching a transfer for highly-rated Dutch teen Xavier Mbuyamba from Barcelona.
That’s according to Mbuyamba’s agent, Carlos Barros, who has been compared to a young Virgil van Dijk.
Barros told Voetbal International: “Almost all major clubs in Europe have asked about Xavier.
“Real Madrid are also there, they are serious about their youth system, 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 papers. Of course, we discussed this extensively last year.
“Chelsea gave a fantastic presentation. There is a unique football atmosphere there.
“You immediately sit with the first-team players during lunch and the club has outlined a very ambitious plan for Xavier.â€
He continued: “They really think that in one to two years, he can be in the first team.
“Frank Lampard has of course already proven that he is not afraid to play with young players.
“Being in the starting line-up at Chelsea at the age of 20 would, of course, be great.â€
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Barros is desperate for the 18-year-old centre-half to get more game time at a higher level rather than in Barcelona’s youth set-up when he openly admitted how hard it will be for his client to get an opportunity in the first-team at Nou Camp.
This article was most recently revised and updated 5 years ago
