X FACTOR Chelsea close in on free transfer for ‘next Virgil van Dijk’ Xavier Mbuyamba after he quit Barcelona this summer

CHELSEA are reportedly close to completing a deal to bring teenage defender Xavier Mbuyamba to Stamford Bridge on a free transfer.

Posted Wednesday, August 05, 2020 by Thesun.co.uk

The 18-year-old - dubbed the 'next Virgil van Dijk' - left Barcelona after just a year spent with the Spanish side due to lack of game time.

X FACTOR Chelsea close in on free transfer for ‘next Virgil van Dijk’ Xavier Mbuyamba after he quit Barcelona this summer
Chelsea are reportedly keen to bring Xavier Mbuyamba to Stamford Bridge

Mbuyamba featured in just three Uefa Youth League games for Barca during the 2019/20 season, and he has left to continue his development elsewhere.

And according to the Daily Mail, the Blues are set to sign the centre-back, with Frank Lampard said to be a huge fan of the youngster.

Mbuyamba won't be brought in to play in the first team straight away, as Lampard continues his search for an experienced defender.

SunSport reported in May how Chelsea were in pole position to land Mbuyamba after the player was deemed as surplus to requirements by the Blaugrana.

Commenting on his future earlier this year, Mbuyamba's agent Carlos Barros told VI how the Blues are desperate to land his client.

He said: "Almost all major clubs in Europe have asked about Xavier. Real Madrid is also there, they are serious about their education, 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 credentials. Of course, we discussed this extensively last year.

"They gave a fantastic presentation. There is a unique football atmosphere there. During lunch you are immediately with the first-team players and the club has outlined a very ambitious plan for Xavier.

"They really think that in one to two years, he can be a starter in the first team. Frank Lampard has of course already proven that he is not afraid to start young players.

"Being in the starting line-up at Chelsea at the age of 20 would of course be great."