Chelsea leading race for Barcelona starlet Xavier Mbuyamba, agent reveals

Joe Krishnan19 May 2020

Chelsea are leading the race to sign one of Barcelona's most coveted youngsters in Xavier Mbuyamba, according to the player's agent.

The Blues are renowned for their successful youth system, which in recent years has produced talents such as Reece James, Fikayo Tomori and Mason Mount.

Chelsea coach Frank Lampard has been keen to give the club's youngsters as much game time as possible, with academy graduates such as Billy Gilmour and Tino Anjorin both making their debuts this season.

The west London outfit now seemingly want to add 18-year-old Mbuyamba to their burgeoning pool of talented youngsters.

The centre-back joined Barca from Dutch outfit MVV Maastricht in 2019, but is already looking to leave the Catalans after becoming frustrated by the lack of opportunities at Camp Nou.

Lampard has been praised for giving Chelsea youngsters first-team opportunities  Photo: Getty Images
Getty Images

And the player's representative, Carlos Barros, revealed Chelsea are in the driving seat after impressing the Dutch youngster with their plans to integrate him into the first team.

"Almost all major clubs in Europe have asked about Xavier," Barros told Voetbal International.

"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.

Barcelona face losing another promising youngster from their La Masia academy  Photo: AFP
AFP

"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."

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