Blues set to go up against Manchester United in pursuit of Spanish ace.
Chelsea have reportedly entered the race to sign Barcelona star Thiago Alcantara this summer, but Premier League champions Manchester United remain the favourites to sign him.
According to ESPN, United are in advanced talks with both the club and player with a view to taking him to Old Trafford, while Chelsea are far behind given their late interest.
Alcantara, 22, proved again why he is one of the most coveted talents in Europe during the UEFA under-21 European Championships this month, as his hat-trick in the Final helped secure a 4-2 win over Italy.
His performances across the tournament increased recognition of his talents, and as a result it is now believed that several other clubs are taking a serious interest in exploiting his current contract situation.
The Catalan giants have a clause in his current deal which stated that should he play less than 60% of Barca’s games last season, he would be able to leave the club for just €18m.
However, this clause is only relevant until the end of July, whereby if no club has taken advantage of the significant price drop, then his release clause will return to €90m.
The player himself has repeatedly dismissed speculation over his future, stating that he is fully focused on helping the Spaniards to glory in Israel, but having now sealed that title it remains to be seen what move he will make next.
The starlet has maintained that he must play significant minutes next season as he now looks to break into Vincente Del Bosque’s senior squad ahead of the World Cup next summer, whether that means his future lies in Manchester or London should be revealed in the next month.
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