Chelsea ‘line up Barcelona wonderkid transfer but face competition from Pep Guardiola’s brother’
CHELSEA are interested in signing a wonderkid from Barcelona, according to reports.
But their transfer plans could be thwarted by Pep Guardiola’s brother.
Chelsea are weighing up a transfer swoop for Barcelona defender Mika FayeRex
Mika Faye, 19, has impressed in the Barcelona B team under Mexican legend Rafael Marquez this season after joining from Croatian outfit NK Kustosija in the summer.
The Spanish giants paid £1.3million for the teenage centre-back in the summer but they are already reaping the rewards.
Faye is a mainstay in the starting XI and his performances have not gone unnoticed by first-team Barca boss Xavi – or scouts around Europe.
So much so that Sport in Spain are now reporting that Chelsea are part of a three-way battle for his signature.
The Blues could be tempted to make a swoop for the left-footed Senegalese star who combines his excellent defensive abilities with composure on the ball, pace and strength.
Chelsea already have a host of central defenders at their disposal including Benoit Badiashile, Thiago Silva, Axel Disasi, Trevoh Chalobah, Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana.
However, Borussia Dortmund and surprise LaLiga title challengers Girona are also very keen on Faye – with Guardiola’s younger brother Pere the chairman, minority owner and agent at the Spanish club.
Due to his age and progress, Barcelona may be willing to loan Faye out next season – but a permanent transfer is not completely ruled out amid the Nou Camp side’s financial struggles.
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Chelsea could receive a welcome boost, though, because of recent transfer dealings with Barcelona and the Catalan giants being unwilling to sell to Girona and allow Faye to join the City Football Group which includes Manchester City.
Ideally, Barcelona would want to keep hold of Faye and it is understood the player is happy at his new club with high ambitions to become a first-team starter.
Xavi showed his faith in the youngster by giving him minutes during the friendly trips to the United States in pre-season and in December.
Faye, who signed a four-year contract until 2027, would have plenty of competition if he did break into the senior squad in 2024-25.
Xavi has Ronald Araujo, Inigo Martinez and Jules Kounde as his preferred centre-backs – plus Andreas Christensen.
Eric Garcia and Chadi Riad are both out on loan this season while 16-year-old Pau Cubarsi is already gaining plenty of attention alongside Faye in the Barcelona Atletic youth team.
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GettyFaye played for the first team during the pre-season friendly tour to the United States[/caption]
