Barcelona are reportedly set to beat Arsenal and Chelsea in order to land highly-rated Osasuna youngster Iker San Vicente, dubbed the new Gerard Pique.
According to Spanish publication Diario De Navarra, Barcelona seem to have finally got around to their task of replacing Eric Garcia, who was poached by Manchester City. The Catalan giants are reportedly set to beat Arsenal and Chelsea in pursuit of Osasuna youngster Iker San Vicente, dubbed the next Gerard Pique.
Iker San Vicente is widely regarded as one of the brightest young prospects not just at Osasuna, but the entire Spanish contingent among players at a similar age level. The 16-year-old is yet to sign a professional deal at El Sadar and with the player eligible to move on a free transfer come January, reports state Barcelona have stolen a march.
San Vicente’s displays have been drawing a lot of attention, with Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona all interested in the player. The interest saw the 16-year-old reject the notion of signing a contract with Osasuna and explore the free transfer market.
La única batalla perdida es la que abandonas , persevera y triunfarás. ??⚽ pic.twitter.com/e4fpP3Q2Iq
— Iker San Vicente (@iker5sanvii) September 19, 2017
Barcelona have been looking to recruit young defenders in the youth squad, especially in a similar mould to Eric Garcia, who left for Manchester City. The defender was earmarked as a future first-teamer and his departure was a big blow to the Catalan giants.
However, it seems La Masia has been able to reinforce with a youngster rated as highly, if not more, as the La Masia product. The report iterates that Barcelona are in contact with Osasuna and their directors to finalise the transfer.
And once the player joins Barcelona, he will be thrust into the Juvenile B squad and the 16-year-old will hope to rise up the ladder quick.
Arsenal and Chelsea though, will be disappointed at having lost out on the prospect. Chelsea have always looked to recruit the best of youngsters from all around the world and their youth setup boasts of one of the best squads with some extraordinarily dominant results.
Barca sign with Iker San Vicente (16 olds, one of most potential youth CB in Spain). because Vicente rejected Osasuna’s renewed contract, his price is free. Barca win competition with Real Madrid and Juventus. he will play Juvenil B from january. [SPORT] pic.twitter.com/c4U026N0ZR
— Barca98 (@barca980311) December 3, 2017
Barcelona will be delighted to have recruited San Vicente to join their setup. But, as often has happened in these cases, we must await official confirmation of the transfer lest some complications arise before completion of the deal.