Barcelona Starlet Xavier Mbuyamba's Agent Reveals Interest in Defender as Chelsea Lead Race
By Adam Aladay
Xavier Mbuyamba's agent has confirmed that Chelsea have outlined a 'very ambitious' plan for the young Barcelona defender, but the west London club face competition from a number of top European sides for the player who has 'informed' the club of his desire to leave.
The 18-year-old only joined the club last summer from MVV Maastricht, but he is already keen to move on to further his development. The powerful defender actually trained with Chelsea last summer prior to sealing a switch to Barça, but wasn't able to make the move permanent due to the Blues' transfer ban.
As a result, it isn't a surprise to see Mbuyamba's representative Carlos Barros reveal that the west London club are once again trying to sign him now that they are able to. However, the problem for the Blues is that they are not the only club interested. In fact, according to Barros, 'almost all' major clubs in Europe have enquired about the prodigious talent, who is ready to leave Barça.
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.
"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."
Barros went on to raise concerns regarding the current state of Barça politically, while he has also questioned whether his player will even be given the chance to breakthrough - even though he is good enough, hence why a move is most suitable. Barros alluded to Ansu Fati as an example.
"The ambiguity is enormous. A new presidential election is coming and it could be that many new people will join the board," Barros continued.
"Politically it is very restless and in a sporting sense there is a lot of division. If you see that even Ansu Fati can be loaned out...How can you break through as a talent?"