Barcelona contract rebel Ilaix Moriba is reportedly in discussions with the established ‘Big Six’ in the Premier League over a possible move this summer.
According to a report by 90 min, the representatives of Ilaix Moriba have held talks with the Premier League ‘Big Six’ over a potential move in the summer transfer window. In addition to Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham, the likes of West Ham United, Leicester City, Everton and Wolves have also been offered the Barcelona contract rebel.
Ilaix Moriba joined Barcelona from Espanyol in 2010 and subsequently made swift progress through the ranks in La Masia over the decade that followed. Last season then proved to be the breakout campaign for the 18-year-old, who featured 18 times across all competitions for Barcelona while chipping in with a goal and three assists along the way.
However, all that has come to naught in the ongoing transfer window, with Moriba at an impasse with Barcelona over the terms of a new contract. With his current deal running out next summer, the Blaugrana’s hand has been forced, with the teenager being banished to the reserve side, where he is unlikely to feature much if at all. His situation, though, has alerted the Premier League ‘Big Six’.
The likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United have all been already linked with the 18-year-old previously, with Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham the latest entrants in the race to sign him. At Chelsea, Billy Gilmour’s loan move has given way to the need for a midfielder.
As for Manchester City, with Bernardo Silva facing an uncertain future at the Etihad – amid links with Barcelona among other clubs – they can well do with a midfield addition. Meanwhile, their neighbours Manchester United could be looking for Paul Pogba’s long-term replacement, with recent reports suggesting that he is set to run down his contract before departing Old Trafford.
As for Arsenal, they are scouring the market for a midfielder, albeit for a creative option, which makes the interest in Moriba somewhat suspect. Liverpool, though, could sign Moriba as a possible long-term replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum, having not done so yet. Meanwhile, Tottenham are keen on bolstering their midfield as well, amid uncertainty surrounding Harry Winks, Moussa Sissoko and Tanguy Ndombele.
As per recent reports, Barcelona wish to rake in close to €20 million for the 18-year-old while club president Joan Laporta has said that they have no qualms selling him this summer. What now remains to be see is if any of the Premier League ‘Big Six’ make their move for the Barcelona contract rebel this summer.