Chelsea keeping tabs on Barca quartet
According to El Mundo Deportivo, the London club are said to be interested in four of the Catalan’s brightest talents – 19 year-old Rafinha Alcantara, and 20 year-old’s Marc Batra, Martin Montoya and Isaac Cuenca. All become available on a free when their contracts run out at the end of June next year sparking interest among the Premiership’s top clubs.
Chelsea sent Nigerian Technical Director, Michael Emenalo to scout the Barca youth team 2 weeks ago to continue the Blues search for fresh young talent. Owner, Roman Abramovich wants his club to adopt this new approach and nurture young players through their ranks instead of splashing out on the huge transfer fees they were once famous for.
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Barca are currently in ongoing contract negotiations with several of their academy’s most highly rated youngsters but talks appear to be stalling with Chelsea ready to swoop. Of the four, Cuenca is the most likely to remain with the Spanish champions after recently starring in his first two senior appearances.
Chelsea also have 19 year-old midfielder, Sergi Roberto in their sights but a £10.3m release clause now hangs over his head after signing at the Nou Camp until 2015.