The Blues have been alerted by Ilaix Moriba’s ongoing contract saga at the Camp Nou amid heightened tensions as Barcelona threaten to freeze out the young midfielder.
According to today’s report from Mundo Deportivo, Chelsea have entered the race to sign Barcelona sensation Ilaix Moriba following the 18-year-old’s ongoing contract saga amid. His current deal at Blaugrana expires in 2022 and he was reportedly offered a new and ‘final’ deal by Barcelona, to which he is yet to respond.
The report claims that Barcelona are getting frustrated by the extensive time taken to proceed with such negotiations, aware that Thomas Tuchel’s side are willing to push hard for the midfielder’s signature.
Chelsea will be firmly monitoring Moriba’s situation as tensions seemingly begin to rise following Barcelona’s strict statement of intent.
The Spain Under-18 international has been told by his boyhood club that he will not be able to play for the Barca first-team until he agrees to sign a new deal, despite having a year left on his current contract.
Should the Blues look to prize Moriba away from Camp Nou to Stamford Bridge, the club will need to negotiate a fee for the midfielder’s services or remain patient and look to sign him on a free come the end of the season.
Moriba joined La Masia in 2010 from Espanyol and earned his stripes playing through the various age groups before he made his first-team debut in a Copa Del Rey Third Round 2-0 win over UE Cornella.
He impressed and went on to make 18 appearances across all competitions directly contributing towards four goals.
