Chelsea are continuing to track Barcelona wonderkid Xavi Simons, according to the Corriere Dello Sport, but they may have to negotiate with an old nemesis in agent Mino Raiola.
The Italian-Dutchman’s demands for a higher fee reportedly led to his client Romelu Lukaku making the move to Manchester United instead of Stamford Bridge earlier this summer, and now he has confirmed he is looking to become the agent of the 14 year old Simons.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo (translated by ESPN FC) about his connection to the Barca youth star, Raiola replied:
“What does it matter if I am his agent? Xavi Simons is a great player, young, with potential and a big future. We’re good friends. Am I his advisor? It’s better to be a friend than an advisor, believe me. Honestly, I am friends with all the players that I represent.”
Described by some as the “new Messi,” the midfielder was first linked with a move to Chelsea in September 2014 when the Blues were then keen to snap up the then 11 year old, who was already impressing scouts in Barca’s youth academy,
Back in April, the Sun reported that the Dutch starlet remained on the club’s radar, but Raiola’s involvement will no doubt make things more complicated.
