Transfer News: Chelsea to re-enter the race for talented Barcelona wonderkid

Chelsea to re-enter the race for wonderkid Ilaix Moriba

According to Sport (h/t The Sun), Chelsea are all set to reignite their interest in Ilaix Moriba after missing out on him in 2019. However, the Blues are not the only club to be after him as Manchester United, RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund are also interested in the Barcelona youngster.

A youth product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, he has been with the club for 11 years now. He has been tipped as one of the best talents to have emerged from there in recent times.

The midfielder has already been given some first-team minutes in the Copa Del Rey and La Liga this term. He even scored his first goal for the club recently against Osasuna.

March 6, 2021, PAMPLONA, NAVARRA, SPAIN: Ilaix Moriba of FC Barcelona, Barca celebrates a goal during the spanish league, LaLiga, football match played between CA Osasuna v FC Barcelona at El Sadar Stadium on march 6, 2021 in Pamplona, Navarra, Spain.

It was during 2019 that interest in Moriba reached its peak, with talk of an extension with Barcelona. Several clubs wanted to bring in the player at the time. Manchester City were even close to signing him but his father pulled the plug on the deal.

Currently, his deal expires in less than 16 months and talks of a new contract have been doing the rounds but there have been delays due to an issue with the release clause. That does put his future up in the air and gives Chelsea a good chance to snap him up.

Ilaix Moriba celebrates with his Barcelona teammates (Getty Images)

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The Blues have gone after youngsters like Kai Havertz in recent seasons and given the quality Moriba has shown in recent times, it is no surprise to see him get linked with a move to Chelsea.

Thomas Tuchel has persisted with a blend of youth and experience and the addition of Moriba could be a welcome one.